Suvorexant is a orexin receptor antagonist used to treat insomnia that is characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. Suvorexant is a selective dual antagonist of orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R that promotes sleep by reducing wakefulness and arousal.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Suvorexant is a dual antagonist of orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R. It exerts its pharmacological effect by inhibiting binding of neuropeptides orexin A and B, also known as hypocretin 1 and 2, that are produced by neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. These neurons control the wake-promoting centers of the brain and are active during wakefulness, especially during motor activities, and stop firing during sleep. By inhibiting the reinforcement of arousal systems, suvorexant use causes a decrease in arousal and wakefulness, rather than having a direct sleep-promoting effect.
- Primary indication
- Suvorexant is indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C23H23ClN6O2 · 450.93 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2018 · United States, 2014
- Code names
- MK-4305
- Brand names
Resolves to
JYTNQNCOQXFQPK-MRXNPFEDSA-NSMILES[H][C@@]1(C)CCN(CCN1C(=O)C1=C(C=CC(C)=C1)N1N=CC=N1)C1=NC2=C(O1)C=CC(Cl)=C2What you can answer from here — as of October 01, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Suvorexant, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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