A New Insomnia Drug on the Horizon?

In addition, the researchers observed significant dose-related effects for sleep induction and maintenance parameters at most doses and time points. Although participants’ sleep architecture did not change during the first period of the trial, some dose-dependent changes in REM occurred during the second period.

“MK-4305 was generally well-tolerated,” with no serious adverse events, said Dr. Herring. He added that adverse events reported by study participants included drowsiness, awakening dizziness, sedation, somnolence, and respiratory and urinary tract infections.

—Jack Baney

Suggested Reading
Cox CD, Breslin MJ, Whitman DB, et al. Discovery of the dual orexin receptor antagonist [(7R)-4-(5-chloro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)-7-methyl-1,4-diazepan-1-yl][5-methyl-2-(2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)phenyl]methanone (MK-4305) for the treatment of insomnia. J Med Chem. 2010 Jun 21; [Epub ahead of print].