The Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of tirzepatide, a powerful weight-loss injection for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults living with obesity.

Known commercially as Mounjaro, this glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist was initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes. Its subsequent approval for chronic weight management had already positioned it as a frontrunner in the global anti-obesity arsenal. Now, with its newest indication, Mounjaro becomes the first drug officially approved to treat OSA in people with obesity a significant advancement in both sleep medicine and obesity care.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects nearly 1 billion adults globally and is estimated to impact more than 780,000 Australian adults alone. In the United States, the National Sleep Foundation estimates that around 25 million adults suffer from OSA — many undiagnosed.

The disorder occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, blocking the upper airway and causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly. These interruptions often result in loud snoring, choking sensations, disrupted sleep, and serious daytime fatigue.

More than just an inconvenience untreated OSA has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cognitive decline. Yet, traditional treatments like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and lifestyle changes have been plagued by poor compliance and limited long-term success.

Mounjaro’s New Role in Sleep Apnea Management

The latest decision by the TGA adds Mounjaro to the small list of pharmacological tools available to combat OSA — but with a twist. The medication doesn’t directly address the mechanics of airway collapse, but instead reduces excess body fat, particularly around the neck, chest, and abdomen, that contributes to upper airway obstruction.

This indirect yet impactful approach leverages Mounjaro’s proven efficacy in promoting substantial weight loss, making it particularly relevant to the subset of OSA patients who also struggle with obesity (defined as a BMI of 30 or higher).

“Losing weight has long been shown to improve obstructive sleep apnea, and this new indication gives patients a clinically backed tool to help them get there,” says Professor Nick Zwar, a GP and sleep health researcher in Australia.

Importance of Lifestyle Change to Treat Sleep Apnea

Experts are cautiously optimistic. While Mounjaro’s new approval represents progress, it’s not a cure-all.

“Weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro can be life-changing, but they are not substitutes for long-term lifestyle change,” Professor Zwar emphasized. “Patients must still commit to sustainable dietary habits and physical activity to maintain their progress and prevent relapse if they discontinue medication.”

This view is echoed by Dr. Moira Junge, CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation, who noted that many individuals with OSA suffer in silence due to limited treatment options. “A pharmacological approach provides hope, especially for those who have struggled with weight loss and CPAP adherence,” she said.

Who Can Take Mounjaro for Sleep Apnea?

As per the TGA’s updated guidance, Mounjaro is now approved for use in adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and a BMI of 30 or more. It is not indicated for patients with mild OSA nor for children or adolescents under 18.

It cannot be prescribed to individuals with type 1 diabetes, and caution is advised in people with a history of pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, or severe gastrointestinal issues.

How Much Does It Cost?

Despite the excitement surrounding its approval, access remains a challenge. Mounjaro is currently not subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia and remains available only via private prescription.

The starting monthly cost of the initiation dose is approximately $395 USD, a figure that could place it out of reach for many potential users particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

In the U.S., where off-label prescription practices are more flexible, it’s anticipated that sleep specialists and primary care doctors may begin evaluating its relevance for similar patient populations, especially as more data becomes available.

What Are the Known Side Effects?

No medication comes without risks and Mounjaro is no exception. While most people tolerate it well, common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Low blood sugar (especially when used with other diabetes medications)
• Injection site discomfort

These side effects often diminish over time but serious reactions, although rare, can occur. These include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and potential thyroid tumor risks. Hence, it’s critical that the drug be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional.

This approval highlights a major global trend of the intersection of metabolic health and sleep health and how it is becoming increasingly relevant. With rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles worldwide, the demand for integrated, accessible treatment solutions has never been greater.

Although the TGA’s decision currently applies only to Australia, it could influence regulatory bodies in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world to consider similar approvals. Already, sleep and obesity researchers across the globe are taking note of this development as a potential shift in OSA treatment paradigms.

For millions battling the exhausting cycle of sleep apnea and obesity, this new use for Mounjaro could be a life saver provided it is prescribed responsibly, accessed affordably, and used as part of a long-term wellness plan.

True Fru product recall: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Tru Fru, LLC is voluntarily recalling certain Tru Fru freeze-dried products due to the possible presence of metal. The recall was prompted by Georgia Nut Company, which manufactures these products for Tru Fru, after a customer raised concerns.

Tru Fru produces chocolate-covered fruit snacks, including freeze-dried and frozen fruits like strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, coated in dark, milk, or white chocolate, and some varieties with peanut butter.

True Fru Product Recall: How To Recognize the Recalled Items?

The FDA published the recall notice on September 29, 2025. It covers specific batches of Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate and Strawberries & Crème, available at major retailers nationwide, including Albertson’s, CVS, Food Lion, H-E-B, Hungryroot, Ingles Markets, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s, and Target, as per All Recipes.

To check if your product is affected, look for the 10-digit manufacturing code on the back of the package. The first four characters of the code identify the recalled batches.

Affected Products Include:

1) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate (3.4 oz)

UPC: 850048358270 | Item #: 10300458

Manufacturing codes starting with: 517B–532B (see full list above)

2) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate (1.7 oz)

UPC: 850048358331 | Item #: 10300442

Manufacturing codes starting with: 514A–526A

3) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate (13 oz)

UPC: 850048358379 | Item #: 10300474

Manufacturing codes starting with: 515A–516C

4) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries & Crème (3.4 oz)

UPC: 850048358249 | Item #: 10300455

Manufacturing codes starting with: 520B–524E

True Fru Product Recall: What Did The Company Say?

The company warned that hard or sharp foreign objects in their food products could cause injuries, including cuts or punctures to the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach, or intestines, as well as damage to teeth and gums. The recall affects products distributed across the U.S. at major retailers such as Albertson’s, CVS, Food Lion, H-E-B, Hungryroot, Ingles Markets, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s, and Target. The recall was prompted by a customer report, and so far, no injuries or illnesses have been reported according to the FDA.

True Fru Product Recall: What to Do If You Have A Recalled Product?

Do not eat any of the recalled items. They should be discarded immediately. Customers seeking compensation can fill out Tru Fru’s online form to receive a coupon. No injuries have been reported so far, but if you have any concerns, contact your doctor. Swallowing metal pieces can cause cuts or tears in the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines, and can damage teeth or gums.

Tru Fru is not the only recent recall due to foreign object risks. The USDA recently issued a health alert for a ready-to-eat pasta meal sold at Walmart because of possible listeria contamination.

The recalled product is Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce, sold in 2 oz plastic trays. The affected “best if used by” dates are September 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, and October 1, 2025. These were sold nationwide at Walmart. Consumers are advised not to eat the pasta and should either throw it away or return it for a full refund.

The province of Alberta has reported its first death linked to measles since the highly contagious virus resurfaced in Canada. An infant died shortly after birth when the mother had contracted measles during pregnancy. This tragic event follows a similar case in Ontario in June. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange called the loss "heartbreaking" and urged the public to take protective steps, emphasizing the extreme risks posed by measles to certain groups.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) explains that measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. This virus lives in the mucus found in a sick person's nose and throat.

Measles spreads very easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Up to 90% of people nearby who haven't had the vaccine will likely get infected. A sick person can spread measles to others starting four days before the rash appears and for four days after it appears.

Are Measles Cases Rising?

According to the Government of Alberta, measles is back, and it's spreading quickly. Since March, there have been nearly 2,000 cases reported in Alberta. This is a huge number for a disease that was supposed to be gone from the country since 1998.

Most of the sickness is happening in the southern and northern parts of Alberta. More than 150 people have been so sick they needed to be admitted to the hospital. Out of those, 15 people needed care in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Who is Getting Infected With Measles?

The vast majority of the people who have gotten sick are children and teenagers. The data shows that 89% of those infected had not been vaccinated against measles. Measles spreads so easily that just one sick person can infect up to 18 people who haven't had their shots.

How Serious Is Measles?

The NFID explains that about 1 out of 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles will need to be hospitalized. This risk is highest for children under age five.

• 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will get brain swelling, which can cause permanent brain damage.
• As many as 1 out of 20 children with measles will get a serious lung infection called pneumonia.
• Sadly, 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 people who get measles will die.

The number of cases has been high recently. As of October 2025, there have been 1,544 confirmed cases across 42 US states, with three confirmed deaths. This is the highest number of cases since the disease was eliminated (gotten rid of) in the U.S. in the year 2000. Most of these recent cases (92%) were in people who were not vaccinated.

Measles Symptoms and Immune System Risk

Measles is one of the easiest viruses to catch because it travels through the air. You can get it just by breathing the air near a sick person.

The symptoms to watch for are:

• A very high fever.
• A cough, a runny nose, or red, watery eyes.
• A classic rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body.

Measles can give your immune system "amnesia," which means it wipes out the memory of old infections. You become vulnerable again to common sicknesses like the flu or colds that you had already fought off and beaten in the past. This makes you more likely to get seriously ill from other things for months or even years after you recover from the measles.

How Can You Prevent Measles?

The best defense against measles is the vaccine. The shot is very good at stopping the infection and is free in Alberta.

Before Getting Pregnant

If you are planning to have a baby, you should make sure you have had two doses of the measles vaccine before you get pregnant. You cannot get the shot while pregnant.

Check Your Status

If you don't know if you've been vaccinated, you can call 811 (Health Link) for free information.

The Trump administration has quietly approved a new generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a move announced by the Food and Drug Administration this week that has drawn sharp criticism from anti-abortion leaders.

The decision comes less than two weeks after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Martin Makary confirmed a review of abortion pill safety, a review initially welcomed by anti-abortion activists. Now, those same leaders are questioning the administration’s commitment to their cause, marking one of the first notable pushbacks Trump has faced from his usually loyal socially conservative base.

Trump Administration Quietly Approves Generic Mifepristone, Sparking Backlash

Federal regulators have approved a new generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a routine regulatory step that immediately drew criticism from anti-abortion groups and politicians aligned with the Trump administration.

The approval was announced by Evita Solutions, the drugmaker, on its website. The company’s low-cost version of mifepristone is approved for ending pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation. Students for Life Action, an anti-abortion organization, responded to the news calling the move “a stain on the Trump presidency” and describing it as further evidence that the “deep state at the FDA must go.”

The decision shows the ongoing tension between expanding access to abortion medication and opposition from socially conservative groups who remain critical of regulatory agencies’ role in approving such drugs.

What Is Mifepristone?

According to the FDA, mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for a pregnancy to continue. Used in combination with misoprostol, it can safely end an intrauterine pregnancy up to ten weeks gestation (70 days or less since the first day of the last menstrual period).

The approved dosing schedule is:

• Day 1: 200 mg of mifepristone taken orally
• 24–48 hours later: 800 mcg of misoprostol taken buccally (in the cheek) at an appropriate location
• 7–14 days later: follow-up with a healthcare provider

Mifepristone: Who Will Make It?

The generic version will be produced by Evita Solutions LLC, a company that says its mission is to “normalize abortion” and make it “accessible to all.” The FDA confirmed the approval, stating that the submitted application contained sufficient data to meet federal standards.

Mifepristone: Safety and Controversy

Decades of peer-reviewed studies show that serious adverse reactions to mifepristone occur in fewer than 0.5 percent of patients, and the drug has been FDA-approved and widely used for over 20 years.

Despite this, earlier this year, a report by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a right-wing think tank, questioned the safety of the pill, claiming serious complications were 22 times higher than previous estimates and urging the FDA to reconsider its approval.

This latest approval underscores the ongoing tensions in U.S. abortion politics, as the Trump administration’s decision to quietly greenlight generic mifepristone clashes with the expectations of socially conservative supporters.