0477 Characteristics of Insomnia Subjects Screened for Transitioning from Zolpidem Tartrate to Lemborexant in a Multicenter Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Patients who take insomnia medication may change medications for reasons including lack of efficacy, adverse events, and dependence concerns. A pilot study (NCT04009577, E2006-A001-312) assessed a dosing approach for transitioning patients from zolpidem tartrate (ZOL; immediate or extended-release) to lemborexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist. Here we describe characteristics of subjects who entered the study Screening Period and their reasons for wanting to change medications. Methods This multicenter pilot study was conducted in the U.S. and enrolled subjects age ≥18y with insomnia diagnosed per DSM-5 criteria, and who used ZOL (self-reported intermittently [3-4 nights/week] or frequently [≥5 nights/week]) as their only insomnia treatment. Subjects entered a 3-week Screening Period, during which frequency/dose of ZOL taken was recorded; subjects also wore an actigraph continuously. Eligible subjects thereafter entered the Treatment Phase to determine lemborexant dosing (5 or 10mg during a 2-week Titration Period with assignment to 1 of 3 treatment schedules based on ZOL usage frequency during Screening), followed by a 12-week Extension (Maintenance) Phase and a 4-week Follow-up Period. Results Forty-nine subjects entered the Screening period and completed the Chief Complaint Form through November 2019; mean(SD) age was 57.1(13.8)y, 67.3% were female, 69.4% were white, and 28.6% were black. 31 subjects reported using ZOL frequently and 15 reported using ZOL intermittently (3 missing). The most common sleep complaint was waking up too early (n=33), followed by difficulty staying asleep (n=13), and difficulty falling asleep (n=3). Reasons for wanting to switch from ZOL included: ZOL not working (n=19), concerns about taking ZOL (n=14), wanting to try something new/potentially better (n=6), side effects (n=5), and residual daytime sleepiness (n=4). 43/49 subjects completed screening through this period. Conclusion This study offers the opportunity to understand patients’ current use of insomnia medication and their motivation for wanting to change insomnia medications. Support Eisai Inc.