Daridorexant: A New Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist for Insomnia

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AI Copilot says "Hypocretin, also known as Orexin, is not typically available for direct purchase as a supplement or medication for general use.

It is a neuropeptide produced naturally in the brain, and its regulation is a complex medical matter. However, there are ongoing studies and experimental treatments involving orexin-related compounds for specific medical conditions like narcolepsy"

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9420920/#:~:text=Daridorexant%2C%20the%20newest%20DORA%2C%20was,onset%20and%2For%20sleep%20maintenance.

Based on the endogenous human neuropeotide Hypocretin

July 26 2022

Abstract and Introduction excerpts:

Objective: To review the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of daridorexant in treating insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance in adult patients.

Data Sources: A literature search was performed through PubMed using the following key terms: daridorexant, ACT-541468, orexin, insomnia, and sleep.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Selected articles included those which described clinical studies of the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, or tolerability of Daridorexant^Wiki.

Data Synthesis: Daridorexant works through antagonism of the dual orexin receptor. It is the third agent in this class of medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Daridorexant, at a dose of 25 mg to 50 mg, was shown to be effective in improving sleep parameters in phase 3 clinical studies and was well tolerated.

Adverse event rates from phase 2 and 3 clinical trials were low with fatigue, nasopharyngitis, gait disturbance, somnolence, diarrhea, and headache most commonly reported.

Conclusions: All currently available agents for treating insomnia have received a “weak” recommendation in the clinical practice guidelines, including the dual orexin receptor antagonist class of medications.

Initial data suggest that with routine use daridorexant does not impair next day functioning, a common issue with other agents used to treat insomnia.

In addition, daridorexant appears to be as safe and effective in treating insomnia in patients of all ages including those ≥65 years of age.

Introduction:

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty in initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, and/or early morning awakening with inability to resume sleep.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from 2014, 35% of U.S. adults get less than seven hours of sleep per 24-hour period.

Health risk factors reported by 20% or more of U.S. adults who have insomnia include obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, cancer, depression, asthma, and diabetes are more common in these patients.

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