Merck Sharp and Dohme reports new insomnia trial data

Merck Sharp and Dohme has reported new data that sheds further light on the safety and long-term performance of its new insomnia treatment suvorexant.

Data from a two-month discontinuation phase following a recent 12-month study of the drug showed that patients who switched to placebo following the main trial period experienced a return in their sleeping difficulties.

Clinically meaningful withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia did not emerge among this group, while those who remained on the treatment continued to experience benefits consistent with those observed during the first 12 months.

This new data will inform the company's ongoing efforts to secure regulatory approval of the innovative therapy, which would be the first in a new class of medicines if approved.

Dr Darryle Schoepp, senior vice-president and head of the neuroscience and ophthalmology franchise at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "We are enthusiastic about the results of this long-term study, which provide important insights into suvorexant and the chronic nature of insomnia."

Last month, the company stated that it is on track to file regulatory submissions for the cardiovascular therapies vorapaxar and Tredaptive in the near future.