Goodbye to White Nights: Insomnia Drug
- ROME (AP) — In a move aimed at improving the management of chronic insomnia, the Italian drug agency, AIFA, has broadened access to the medication daridorexant.
- Chronic insomnia, defined as persistent sleep difficulties occurring at least three nights a week for three months, poses a significant public health challenge.
- Dr.Luigi Ferini Strambi, a neurology professor at Vita-Salute University of Milan and director of the Sleep Medicine Center at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, lauded the decision to allow...
Easing Access to Insomnia Treatment: Daridorexant Now Prescribable by General Practitioners in Italy
Table of Contents
- Easing Access to Insomnia Treatment: Daridorexant Now Prescribable by General Practitioners in Italy
- Easing Access to Insomnia Treatment: Your Questions Answered
- What’s the Big News About Insomnia Treatment in Italy?
- What is Chronic Insomnia?
- Why is This Change Important?
- What Are the Potential Benefits of This Change for Patients?
- Who Is Impacted By chronic Insomnia and What Are the Associated Risks?
- What Is the Economic Impact of Insomnia?
- What Does the Manufacturer of Daridorexant Say About This Change?
- Why Did idorsia Italia Want This Reclassification?
- Who is Dr. Luigi Ferini Strambi, and Why is His Opinion Relevant?
- What is the “Orexin system” and Why Does it Matter in Sleep?
- I’m Struggling With Insomnia. What Should I Do?
ROME (AP) — In a move aimed at improving the management of chronic insomnia, the Italian drug agency, AIFA, has broadened access to the medication daridorexant. Previously restricted to specialists like neurologists and psychiatrists, the drug can now be prescribed by general practitioners, according to a determination published in the Official Gazette on March 24, 2025.
Insomnia as a Public Health Concern
Chronic insomnia, defined as persistent sleep difficulties occurring at least three nights a week for three months, poses a significant public health challenge. The condition can negatively impact quality of life, exacerbate existing physical and mental health issues, reduce productivity, and increase the risk of workplace accidents.
Expert Opinion
Dr.Luigi Ferini Strambi, a neurology professor at Vita-Salute University of Milan and director of the Sleep Medicine Center at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, lauded the decision to allow general practitioners to prescribe daridorexant.
The wake-sleep rhythm is governed by a complex neural circuit in the brain. The orexin system, a pillar of this mechanism, favors wakefulness. Direct management by the family doctor, who has an overall vision of the patient, allows an immediate and targeted therapeutic approach.
Dr. Luigi Ferini Strambi, vita-Salute university of Milan
Ferini Strambi added that this change would not only improve patients’ quality of life but also free up specialists to focus on more complex cases.
The Economic Burden of Sleeplessness
The economic consequences of insomnia are ample.A 2023 report indicated that indirect economic losses average 4,133.14 euros annually per individual, totaling 11.6 billion euros nationwide. This is coupled with productivity losses estimated at 5,995.28 euros per person.
Industry Viewpoint
Giovanni Girgenti,General Manager of Idorsia Italia,the drug’s manufacturer,highlighted the company’s efforts to achieve this reclassification.
There is still a stigma or an underestimation of sleep disorders. The question ‘How do you sleep?’ is essential for the wellness of the patient. It is our priority to change the current perception of chronic insomnia and consider it a real pathology.
Giovanni Girgenti, General Manager of Idorsia Italia
Girgenti added that with over 20 years of experience in sleep research, the company is committed to raising awareness, collaborating with clinicians, scientific societies, and patient associations to improve the experience of those suffering from chronic insomnia. The AIFA decision represents a significant step toward that goal.
Easing Access to Insomnia Treatment: Your Questions Answered
What’s the Big News About Insomnia Treatment in Italy?
The Italian drug agency, AIFA, has made a significant change in how the medication daridorexant is prescribed. In a nutshell: as of March 24, 2025, general practitioners (GPs) in Italy can now prescribe daridorexant for chronic insomnia. Previously, only specialists like neurologists and psychiatrists could authorize this treatment. This widening access aims to help more people struggling with sleep difficulties.
What is Chronic Insomnia?
Chronic insomnia is a persistent sleep disorder. The article defines it as: sleep difficulties happening at least three nights a week for a duration of three months or more. If you are experiencing difficulty falling asleep,staying asleep,or waking up too early,and this is impacting your daytime functioning for more than three months,you may be experiencing chronic insomnia.
Why is This Change Important?
this reclassification is significant because it simplifies the process for patients to get help. The change allows quicker access to treatment and potentially improves the patient’s quality of life. Dr. Luigi Ferini Strambi, a neurology professor, mentioned that allowing GPs to prescribe medication could free up specialists to focus on patients with more complex issues.
What Are the Potential Benefits of This Change for Patients?
Quicker Access to Treatment: Patients can now consult their family doctor (GP) saving them time and the need to go to a specialist.
Improved Quality of Life: By treating insomnia effectively, symptoms such as fatigue and daytime sleepiness are mitigated, which may lead to improve daily life.
Extensive Approach: Family doctors, frequently enough having a broader understanding of a patient’s health, can provide a more integrated approach to care.
Who Is Impacted By chronic Insomnia and What Are the Associated Risks?
Chronic insomnia affects a significant portion of the population and has several adverse effects. Here’s a breakdown:
Impacts: As the article mentions, insomnia substantially impacts the quality of life, makes existing physical and mental health issues worse, decreases productivity, and increases the risk of workplace accidents.
What Is the Economic Impact of Insomnia?
Insomnia comes with a significant economic burden.According to a 2023 report, the financial consequences associated with chronic insomnia are considerable:
Indirect Economic Losses: Average €4,133.14 annually per individual.
Total Nationwide Losses: €11.6 billion euros.
Productivity Losses: Estimated at €5,995.28 per person.
What Does the Manufacturer of Daridorexant Say About This Change?
Giovanni Girgenti, General Manager of Idorsia Italia (the company that makes daridorexant), is very supportive of the AIFA decision. He highlights the company’s commitment to improving awareness and understanding of sleep disorders. Girgenti emphasizes that the company is working to change the perception of chronic insomnia, which they wont to be recognized as a genuine medical pathology.
Why Did idorsia Italia Want This Reclassification?
Idorsia Italia, with over 20 years of sleep research experience, views the reclassification as a crucial step. their goal is to:
Promote Awareness: Of sleep disorders and their impact.
Collaborate: With physicians,scientists,and patient organizations.
improve Patient Lives: By helping them gain access to the treatment required.
Who is Dr. Luigi Ferini Strambi, and Why is His Opinion Relevant?
Dr. Luigi ferini Strambi is a highly respected neurology professor at the Vita-Salute University of Milan and the director of the sleep Medicine Center at IRCCS San raffaele Hospital. He’s considered an expert on sleep disorders. his support for the change,as cited in the article,adds credibility and authority to the news.
What is the “Orexin system” and Why Does it Matter in Sleep?
Dr. Ferini Strambi refers to the “orexin system” in his expert opinion. Here’s why it’s important:
Complex Neural Circuit: The wake-sleep rhythm is controlled by a complex network in the brain.
* Orexin’s Role: The orexin system is a key part of this mechanism; it promotes wakefulness.
I’m Struggling With Insomnia. What Should I Do?
If you are experiencing trouble sleeping, the first step is to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. They can find the underlying causes and determine the most appropriate course of action. As, in Italy, general practitioners can now prescribe daridorexant, they can assess if this medication if suitable for you or recommend other therapies.