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Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug) Small molecule drug developed by Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.. It is currently FDA-approved for Insomnia (sleep onset and sleep maintenance). Also known as: Lunesta.
Eszopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that binds to GABA-A receptors in the brain to promote sleep onset and maintenance.
Eszopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that binds to GABA-A receptors in the brain to promote sleep onset and maintenance. Used for Insomnia (sleep onset and sleep maintenance).
At a glance
| Generic name | Eszopiclone (Lunesta) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lunesta |
| Sponsor | Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. |
| Drug class | Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug) |
| Target | GABA-A receptor (alpha-1 subunit) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology / Sleep Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Eszopiclone is the active S-enantiomer of zopiclone and acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system. This potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission results in sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. The drug preferentially binds to GABA-A receptors containing alpha-1 subunits, which are associated with sleep promotion.
Approved indications
- Insomnia (sleep onset and sleep maintenance)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Unpleasant taste
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations
- Complex sleep behaviors
Key clinical trials
- National Adaptive Trial for PTSD Related Insomnia (PHASE3)
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, Arousability and Links to Mechanisms in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (PHASE3)
- Endotype-Targeted Therapy to Rescue OSA Patients Struggling With CPAP Adherence (TOP-CPAP) (PHASE2)
- Effectiveness of Combining Behavioral and Pharmacologic Therapy for Complex Insomnia in Veterans With PTSD (PHASE4)
- Endotypic Traits and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery (PHASE2)
- Impact of Eszopiclone on Blood Pressure in Patients With Insomnia and Hypertension (PRYSMA-HTN) (PHASE4)
- Grain Moxibustion Treatment on Insomnia: a Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
- The Study in Outpatient Medicine Using Nudges to Improve Sleep (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
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Related
- Drug class: All Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug) drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting GABA-A receptor (alpha-1 subunit)
- Manufacturer: Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Neurology / Sleep Medicine
- Indication: Drugs for Insomnia (sleep onset and sleep maintenance)
- Also known as: Lunesta