Narcolepsy

A sleep specialist and sleep patient advocate discussed diagnostic and patient-reported outcome measures that aim to better capture the cognitive, functional, and psychosocial burden of central disorders of hypersomnolence.

Data from phase 3 studies presented at SLEEP 2026 showed that investigational oveporexton was associated with improvements in REM sleep architecture and sleep-related symptoms in patients with NT1.

Romy Hoque, MD, Professor of Neurology at Emory University, previews the 2026 SLEEP Annual Meeting, highlighting key themes across neurodegeneration, hypersomnolence, sleep apnea, and the growing role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in sleep medicine.

The professor of psychiatry at the UCLA discussed postmortem findings suggesting that locus coeruleus neuron loss may be a more consistent feature of narcolepsy than hypocretin deficiency.

A phase 1b/2 trial presented at AAN 2026 showed HS-10506, a selective OX2R antagonist, significantly improved sleep latency and overall sleep outcomes in adults with insomnia.

Data from the phase 2 Vibrance-1 trial showed that alixorexton was associated with improvements in patient-reported outcomes in adults with narcolepsy type 1 over up to 12 to 13 weeks of follow-up.

A meta-analysis of randomized trials confirmed modafinil improves both objective and subjective measures of daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy.

Alkermes has initiated the phase 3 Brilliance program for alixorexton in narcolepsy, building on prior phase 1 and 2 data showing significant improvements in wakefulness and daytime sleepiness.

From FDA regulatory milestones for investigational agents to emerging clinical data across sleep disorders, this roundup highlights notable developments shaping the evolving landscape of orexin-targeted therapies.

The FDA expands pitolisant, marketed as Wakix, to treat cataplexy in pediatric patients 6 years and older with narcolepsy, making pitolisant the only nonscheduled option for excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy attacks.

The FDA has granted priority review to Takeda’s new drug application for oveporexton, an orexin receptor 2-selective agonist, for narcolepsy type 1, with a PDUFA date in the third quarter of 2026.

Treatment with the orexin-receptor 2 agonist oveporexton was associated with improvements in attention, memory, and executive function in adults with narcolepsy type 1.

Avadel's REVITALYZ trial for Lumryz in idiopathic hypersomnia shows promise, potentially offering a new treatment option for this underserved condition.

TRN-257, a treatment in development for adults with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, is designed to reduce daily sodium exposure relative to existing higher-sodium therapies.

New trial results reveal alixorexton's significant efficacy in treating narcolepsy type 2, marking a potential breakthrough in sleep medicine.

New research highlights daridorexant's effectiveness in improving sleep for women experiencing insomnia during menopause, showcasing significant benefits in sleep quality.

The VP of clinical development at Alkermes detailed phase 2 results for alixorexton, an oral, selective orexin 2 receptor agonist, in narcolepsy type 1, including benefits for fatigue, cognition, and weakness.

Richard Kovacs, MD, PhD, chief medical officer for the American College of Cardiology, discusses interim XYLO trial results, highlighting how switching to low-sodium oxybate can significantly impact blood pressure and cardiovascular risk profiles in narcolepsy.

New study reveals that alixorexton significantly improves wakefulness and reduces daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy type 1, paving the way for phase 3 trials.

Takeda reveals promising phase 3 results for oveporexton, a potential breakthrough treatment for narcolepsy type 1, targeting excessive daytime sleepiness.

The chief medical and scientific officer at Harmony Biosciences discussed the pharmacologic rationale and preclinical development of BP1.15205, a novel orexin receptor 2 agonist for hypersomnolence.

The postdoctoral researcher at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research highlighted EEG-based evidence supporting ALKS 2680's wake-promoting effects in patients with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Richard Bogan, MD, FCCP, FAASM, an associate clinical professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, discussed a bevy of presentations from the 2025 SLEEP Annual Meeting highlighting the effects of once-nightly sodium oxybate.

A new phase 2 study explores samelisant's potential to treat cataplexy in narcolepsy type 1, promising improved patient outcomes and safety.

Findings from the Jazz DUET study presented at SLEEP 2025 showed that low-sodium oxybate reduced daytime sleepiness and improved sleep parameters in patients with narcolepsy types 1 and 2.