Abstract

TASIMELTEON: A NOVEL DRUG IN NON-24 HOURS SLEEP WAKE DISORDER

Dr. Joonmoni Lahon*,Dr. Lalromawii , Dr. Dhriti Kr. Brahma , Dr. Julie BirdieWahlang

Abstract

Free-running type or non 24 hour sleep wake disorder is a rare but chronic circadian rhythm sleep disorder (CRSD) that disrupts the sleep-wake cycle and affects the majority of totally blind individuals leading to insomnia. Tasimelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist has proved its potential as a circadian regulator that resets the biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, thus synchronizing the body’s melatonin and cortisol circadian rhythm with the day-night cycle in patients with non 24 hour sleep wake disorder. Its potential for use in jet-lag, mood disorders and depression due to circadian rhythm disorder is under evaluation. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) by Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 31st January, 2014 for treatment of non 24 sleep wake disorder.

Keywords: Tasimelteon, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, melatonin, free-running.