Boehringer Ingelheim drug ‘can reduce sleep disturbance’ in RLS patients

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the publication of new data showing that Mirapexin/Sifrol (pramipexole) can significantly reduce incidents of sleep disturbance experienced by patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, these results underline the benefits of a treatment for the condition that targets its core symptoms, namely the uncontrollable urge to move the legs, in addition to secondary symptoms.

The firm claims that administration of pramipexole can enhance overall sleep patterns and quality of life in RLS patients.

In the trial, rapid improvements in symptoms were seen after the first intake, reaching a peak after four weeks and sustained for the full duration of the 12 week trial.

Professor Luigi Ferini-Strambi from the Sleep Disorders Center, Universita Vita-Salute in San Raffaele, Milan, said: “Most people with RLS who seek medical advice have often suffered for a long time from sleep deprivation due to the debilitating impact of RLS.

“To feel the benefit of a simple, effective treatment right from the start is a huge step forward for these patients.”

He added that these patients can look forward to a night of undisturbed sleep and consequently begin regaining their quality of life.

In December 2007, Boehringer Ingelheim presented new data showing that monotherapy with pramipexole can reduce dyskinesias and delay the need for treatment with levodopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease.