Almorexant
![]() |
|
Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
---|---|
(2R)-2-[(1S)- 6,7-Dimethoxy-1-{2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl}-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl]-N-methyl-2-phenylacetamide
|
|
Clinical data | |
Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Metabolism | Hepatic |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number | 871224-64-5 ![]() |
ATC code | None |
PubChem | CID 23727689 |
IUPHAR/BPS | 2886 |
ChemSpider | 21377865 ![]() |
UNII | 9KCW39P2EI ![]() |
KEGG | D09964 ![]() |
ChEMBL | CHEMBL455136 ![]() |
Chemical data | |
Formula | C29H31F3N2O3 |
Molar mass | 512.6 g/mol (free base) |
3D model (Jmol) | Interactive image |
|
|
|
|
![]() ![]() |
Almorexant (INN, codenamed ACT-078573) is an orexin antagonist, functioning as a competitive receptor antagonist of the OX1 and OX2 orexin receptors, which was being developed by the pharmaceutical companies Actelion and GSK for the treatment of insomnia. Development of the drug was abandoned in January 2011.[1]
Development[edit]
Originally developed by Actelion, from 2007 almorexant was being reported as a potential blockbuster drug, as its novel mechanism of action (orexin receptor antagonism) was thought to produce better quality sleep and fewer side effects than the traditional benzodiazepines and Z-drugs which dominated the multibillion-dollar insomnia medication market.[2][3]
In 2008, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline bought the development and marketing rights for almorexant from Actelion for an initial payment of $147 million.[4] The deal was worth a potential $3.2billion if the drug were to successfully complete clinical development and obtain FDA approval.[5] GSK and Actelion continued to develop the drug together, and completed a Phase III clinical trial in November 2009.[6]
However, in January 2011 Actelion and GSK announced they were abandoning the development of almorexant because of its side effect profile.[1][7]
Mechanism of action[edit]
Almorexant is a competitive, dual OX1 and OX2 receptor antagonist and selectively inhibits the functional consequences of OX1 and OX2 receptor activation, such as intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b GSK and Actelion discontinue clinical development of almorexant - GSK press release, 28 Jan 2011
- ^ Sleeping Beautifully - CBS Business Network 24 Sep 2007
- ^ Is this FINALLY a cure for insomnia? The new pill which blocks the brain's 'stay awake' messages - Daily Mail, 28 July 2008
- ^ Actelion Sells Glaxo Almorexant Sleep Medicine Rights - Bloomberg, 14 July 2008
- ^ Actelion's top dollar deal leaves doubts, and little on the horizon - EP Vantage, 14 July 2008
- ^ Almorexant in Adult Subjects With Chronic Primary Insomnia (RESTORA 1). ClinicalTrials.gov (February 3, 2010). Retrieved on May 6, 2010.
- ^ Actelion and GSK Discontinue Clinical Development of Almorexant - Actelion press release, 28 Jan 2011