New anti-insomnia drug shows promise

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill., June 20 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say that ramelteon, an anti-insomnia drug developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, has performed well in clinical trials.

Ramelteon, unlike previous drugs, acts on melatonin receptors in the brain.

More than 400 adults with chronic insomnia were enrolled in the study, randomly assigned to groups given 8 or 16 milligrams of ramelteon or a placebo for 35 nights. They slept at home for all but four nights, when they were monitored in a sleep center.

Takeda, based in Lincolnshire, Ill., says that the results were good, with those taking ramelteon going to sleep more quickly and sleeping longer with no ill effects like rebound insomnia.

"In these trials, ramelteon, which possesses a unique mechanism of action, demonstrated an ability to help people fall asleep and sleep longer without next-day residual effects," said Dr, Stephen Sainati, vice president of Clinical Research.