News Release

Study shows ramelteon reduced insomnia symptoms in elderly

Media Advisory

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Ketchum UK

WHAT: Results from a Phase 3, three-way crossover study presented at the National Institutes of Mental Health New Clinical Drug Evaluation Unit (NCDEU) Scientific Conference on Wednesday, June 8, showed that ramelteon, an investigational compound currently undergoing review with the FDA for the treatment of insomnia, helped elderly patients with chronic insomnia fall asleep faster and sleep longer compared to placebo.

Additionally, there was no evidence of next-day residual effects (i.e., recall memory, level of alertness and concentration) in patients taking ramelteon.

WHO: Thomas Roth, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders and Research Center, Detroit, Mich.

HOW: Ramelteon works through a novel mechanism of action, targeting receptors in an area of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN. The SCN regulates 24-hour biological rhythms including the sleep-wake cycle and is also called the body's "master clock."

WHY: An estimated 60 million people in the U.S. suffer from insomnia, and approximately half of all older adults experience one or more symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights per week.

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