Idorsia’s Daridorexant Shows Promise in Treating Chronic Insomnia and Nocturia in Older Adults: A Detailed Look
In a recent development, Idorsia Ltd, a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Allschwil, Switzerland, announced the publication of a randomized cross-over trial investigating the efficacy and safety of daridorexant (QUVIVIQ™) in treating chronic insomnia and nocturia in patients aged 55 and above. The trial results were published in the esteemed Journal of Sleep Research.
Efficacy of Daridorexant on Chronic Insomnia and Nocturia
The study revealed that daridorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, significantly improved symptoms of both chronic insomnia and nocturia at a daily dose of 50 mg. Chronic insomnia is a persistent sleeping disorder characterized by difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, while nocturia refers to the frequent need to urinate at night. The trial involved 125 patients who were randomized to receive either daridorexant or placebo for two treatment periods.
- The study showed that patients receiving daridorexant experienced a significant reduction in wake after sleep onset and an increase in total sleep time compared to the placebo group.
- Moreover, patients treated with daridorexant reported a significant decrease in nocturia episodes and an improvement in nocturia quality of life.
Daytime Functioning and Safety Profile
The trial also highlighted the importance of addressing both chronic insomnia and nocturia, as the improvement in these conditions translated to enhanced daytime functioning. Patients receiving daridorexant reported improved daytime alertness and cognitive performance compared to the placebo group.
Additionally, the study demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile for daridorexant. The most common adverse events were headaches and dizziness, which were mild to moderate in severity and resolved without treatment.
Implications for Individuals and Society
The results of this study have significant implications for individuals suffering from chronic insomnia and nocturia, as these conditions can negatively impact an individual’s quality of life and overall health. The availability of an effective treatment option like daridorexant can help improve the sleep quality and overall well-being of older adults.
Furthermore, this development could have a broader impact on society, as chronic insomnia and nocturia are common conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. The economic burden of these conditions is substantial, with indirect costs estimated to be in the billions annually due to lost productivity and increased healthcare utilization.
Conclusion
The publication of the randomized cross-over trial in the Journal of Sleep Research provides compelling evidence of the efficacy and safety of Idorsia’s dual orexin receptor antagonist, daridorexant, in treating chronic insomnia and nocturia in older adults. The study results underscore the importance of addressing both conditions, as the improvement in sleep quality and daytime functioning can significantly enhance an individual’s overall quality of life. Moreover, the availability of an effective treatment like daridorexant could have a positive impact on society, reducing the economic burden associated with chronic insomnia and nocturia.
As we look forward, further research is needed to explore the long-term benefits of daridorexant and its potential application in other populations. The ongoing pursuit of innovative treatments for sleep disorders and associated conditions is crucial in improving the health and well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
