Eisai has introduced the insomnia drug, Lunesta (eszopiclone), in Japan.
Discovered and developed by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Lunesta is a non-benzodiazepine type GABAA agonist (non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic).
In a Phase II/III study (Study 126) conducted in Japan, patients treated with Lunesta showed a considerable improvement in Sleep Latency (SL) compared to placebo.
Additionally, Lunesta has been shown to produce reduction in Latency to Persistent Sleep (LPS), as objectively measured by an overnight polysomnography (PSG).
The safety profile of Lunesta was also confirmed in a long-term study (Study 150) in patients with various forms of insomnia.
Source:
http://drugdiscovery.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/news/eisai-launches-insomnia-drug-in-japan-200412
