Lemborexant
Lemborexant is a novel dual orexin receptor antagonist used in the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. Recent research in the field of sleep disorders has revealed that insomnia is likely driven not by the inability of the brain to "switch on" sleep-related circuits, but rather an inability to "switch-off" wake-promoting circuits. Whereas historically popular pharmacologic treatments for insomnia (e.g. [zopiclone], [zolpidem], benzodiazepines) focus on enhancing sleep drive via modulation of GABA and melatonin receptors, lemborexant and other orexin antagonists (e.g. [suvorexant]) act to counteract inappropriate wakefulness. This novel mechanism of action offers potential advantages over classic hypnotic agents, including a more favorable adverse effect profile and potentially greater efficacy, and may signal the beginning of a new wave of treatment options for patients suffering from insomnia.