Cephalon reports positive phase IV data for Nuvigil

Cephalon has published clinical data demonstrating the effectiveness of its drug Nuvigil in meeting the needs of patients experiencing excessive sleepiness associated with shift work disorder.

The company conducted a phase IV study involving 380 subjects to evaluate the improvements delivered by the treatment when compared to placebo.

This represents the largest ever trial conducted among this patient population, with results showing that Nuvigil users were able to benefit from an improved clinical condition compared to those in the control group.

When analysing the results using the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale, Cephalon observed that the Nuvigil group experienced less tiredness towards the end of their night shifts, including the commute home.

The drug is also designed to improve wakefulness among sufferers of sleep apnoea and narcolepsy.

Today (February 1st 2011), Cephalon is holding a memorial service for its founder and former chief executive officer Dr Frank Baldino Jr, who died from complications associated with leukaemia last month.