Merck Sharp and Dohme reports positive insomnia drug trial data

Merck Sharp and Dohme has reported positive data from studies of a new treatment it is developing for insomnia.

In a pair of phase III clinical trials, the investigational agent suvorexant was able to significantly reduce the amount of time taken for patients to fall asleep, while also increasing the length of their sleeping time.

The medicine was able to meet all but one of its 16 primary efficacy endpoints in the placebo-controlled trials, while safety data generated by the studies was also encouraging.

Merck Sharp and Dohme remains on course to file a new drug application for suvorexant in the US before the end of the year.

Dr Darryle Schoepp, senior vice-president and head of the neuroscience and ophthalmology franchise at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "We're excited about the phase III results and the potential of suvorexant to become the first in a new class of medicines to help patients with insomnia."

Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved new labelling for the Merck HIV treatment Isentress that includes new data on its long-term safety and efficacy when used as part of a combination therapy.