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news.Merck has launched Belsomra (suvorexant) C-IV, the first and only orexin receptor antagonist, in the US to treat insomnia in adults who have difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
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Orexin is one of the many neurotransmitters in the brain involved in promoting wakefulness, and Belsomra selectively blocks orexin receptors to suppress wake drive in the brain.
The recommended dose of Belsomra is 10mg, which should be taken once per night within 30 minutes of going to bed, with at least seven hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.
The company said that the total dose of Belsomra should not exceed 20mg once daily.
Merck Research Laboratories Neurosciences vice-president Dr David Michelson said: "Merck has been conducting research in the sleep field for more than a decade.
"We are proud to be one of the earliest companies to research the role of orexin receptors in insomnia, which ultimately led to the introduction of Belsomra in the US."
The drug, which contains suvorexant, a Schedule IV controlled substance, is contraindicated in patients with narcolepsy.
Currently, Belsomra is available in doses of 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg tablets.