Takeda Pharmaceuticals recently received FDA approval for orexin, the first agonist drug approved for Type 1 narcolepsy. Orexins are neuropeptides secreted by neurons in the hypothalamus that support many vital functions. Clinical data from narcolepsy trials showed that boosting orexins can minimize excessive sleepiness and other narcolepsy symptoms.
As more orexin agonist developers focus on narcolepsy, Takeda Pharmaceuticals may feel pressure from new market competitors. Alkermes designed a global phase 3 program to test its candidate, alixorexton, in Type 1 and Type 2 narcolepsy. Eli Lilly has positioned itself strategically in the orexin market by acquiring Centessa Pharmaceuticals in March 2026 for roughly $ 6.3 billion.
Other drug developers such as Alkermes are exploring once-a-day dosing with its drug alixorexton. Clinical data showed that Alixorexton was significantly more effective than a placebo at keeping patients with the Type 2 form of narcolepsy awake and alert. The drug also demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile. Alkermes initiated a global, Phase 3 program to evaluate alixorexton in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 narcolepsy.
Harmony has an orexin candidate...