Could a single pill help sleep apnea patients breathe easier?

NCT ID NCT04538755

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Disease control Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether a single dose of the experimental drug DAW2020, taken before sleep, can improve how the brain responds to airway blockages in people with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. The study measures changes in the arousal threshold—the point at which a person wakes up during a breathing pause—using muscle activity sensors. Twenty healthy adults with sleep apnea will receive either DAW2020 or a placebo to see if the drug reduces the number of apnea events.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: an experimental drug called DAW2020
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that helps people breathe more steadily during sleep.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 20 participants and a single dose, so results may not apply broadly or lead to a proven therapy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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