Head of Merck’s new sleep drug class looks promising in IIb

An experimental insomnia drug from Merck produced some promising mid-stage data in comparison to a placebo, which bodes well for an potential therapy which has since moved into Phase III and is slated for a 2012 FDA application. MK-4305 works by putting the brakes on orexin, a neuropeptide that helps regulate the body's balance of sleep and alertness. By reining in production of orexins, researchers believe they can prevent the brain's arousal system from kicking into gear, helping ensure a...