Many people have trouble falling and staying asleep. A new drug has been available since this year for patients who suffer from sleep disorders for more than three months: the active ingredient daridorexant, which has now been awarded the innovation prize of the Pharmazeutische Zeitung (PZ).

Insomnia is very stressful for sufferers - especially if it lasts for a long time. People who sleep poorly are often tired, unfocused, irritable, and more susceptible to infections and other illnesses during the day. If the symptoms occur on at least three days a week for at least a month, doctors speak of so-called insomnia. Treatment is preferably with cognitive behavioral therapy. If this is not possible or if the treatment fails, various prescription drugs are available, but they carry a high risk of addiction: the so-called benzodiazepines and Z-substances.

There is no habituation effect and no possibility of dependency
From April 2022, a new prescription drug for insomnia with a different mechanism of action will be launched: daridorexant. There is no active substance in the body for the so-called orexin system, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. The drug has proven its effectiveness and safety in studies: "It made it possible to fall asleep 20-30 minutes faster on average, to sleep more and to improve daily activity," explains Sven Siebenand, editor-in-chief of the Pharmazeutische Zeitung. PC). Furthermore, there were no habituation effects or signs of potential abuse. "Overall, Daridorexant is a real alternative to previous treatment options for chronic insomnia," explains Siebenand PZ about the Daridorexant Innovation Award 2023.

Ralph Hüffer, board member of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Germany, accepted the award at the Medical Education Congress in Meran. “We are very happy about the PZ Innovation Award for Daridorexant. Daridorexant has been in development for more than 20 years. Our research has shown that it is possible to safely and effectively treat chronic insomnia and improve patients' lives," says Hüffner. .

Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that regulates the day and night rhythm. Therefore, melatonin drugs act as a sleep aid for various sleep disorders. Read more about the topic here: Where is melatonin produced in the body? How does it work? What are melatonin supplements? how to use them Is Melatonin Use Dangerous?

What is melatonin? Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that is involved in regulating the day-night rhythm. It is also colloquially called the “sleep hormone”. But it not only affects sleep, but also has other bodily functions.

Various preparations containing melatonin are offered as sleeping pills - for example as a general sleeping pill or to help with jet lag. Some of them are officially approved as medicinal products for certain indications (see below). In addition, melatonin supplements are sold over the counter in some countries.

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