Takeda wins FDA nod for orexin drug oveporexton, first treatment for narcolepsy type 1 and potential broader uses

Takeda received FDA approval for oveporexton (brand Orzeyful), an orexin receptor agonist, marking the first approved therapy that targets the orexin system for narcolepsy type 1.

The drug mimics the brain protein orexin that regulates wakefulness and is expected to reduce daytime sleepiness in patients with this rare disorder.

Experts say orexin agonists could be applied to other sleep disorders, fatigue, cognition and mood, opening potentially large markets.

The approval comes amid rising interest in peptide medicines, with orexin drugs being called the "GLPs of neuroscience" for their broad therapeutic promise.