Research led by Gui de Chauliac Hospital in Montpellier, France, and the University of Bologna in Italy reports that oveporexton improves wakefulness and reduces cataplexy episodes in patients with narcolepsy type 1. Findings suggest a potential therapeutic alternative to existing narcolepsy treatments without hepatotoxic effects associated with other treatment types.

Narcolepsy type 1 is a neurological disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and episodes of muscle weakness known as cataplexy. Orexin, a neuropeptide crucial for regulating wakefulness and preventing rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep transitions, is deficient in patients with narcolepsy type 1. Current treatments primarily address symptoms without targeting the underlying orexin system itself.

Previous efforts have successfully targeted orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) to restore wakefulness and reduce cataplexy in patients with OX2R-targeting drugs. Liver-related side effects have so far limited clinical use, and the need for safe OX2R-targeting agents remains.