BUZZ-Sleep apnea device makers end year with mix performance despite GLP-1 concerns

** Shares of sleep apnea device makers set to end 2024 with mixed performance despite looming threat from GLP-1 drugs to treat the sleep disorder

** ResMed RMD.N and Inspire Medical INSP.N make medical devices used to treat sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts

** Eli Lilly's LLY.N weight-loss drug, Zepbound, which belongs to class of drugs known as GLP-1s, received approval this month to become first FDA-approved drug to treat the sleeping disorder

** Device makers have previously shrugged off concerns but some analysts have signaled risk of disruption in demand next year

** RMD shares have gained 33.54%, its first year in green after two years of decline, partly helped by strong results and Philips' PHG.AS agreement to not sell new devices treating sleep apnea in the U.S. in coming years as it works to comply with settlement with FDA

** INSP down 6.9%, its second straight year of losses

** Shares of LivaNova LIVN.O, which also has products for sleep apnea, down 10.8% in 2024, its third year in red

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru)

((Sriparna.Roy@thomsonreuters.com;))