Approximately 50% of the population experience symptoms of insomnia on a regular basis. However, only a fraction of patients are diagnosed, with even fewer receiving prescribed pharmacological therapy. Currently Sanofi's Ambien (zolpidem) is the market leader across the seven major markets, with revenues of $1.7 billion in 2003.

Scope of this report

Overview of the epidemiology of insomnia in order to assess the untapped patient potential offered by this disorder
Analysis of why the US insomnia market has flourished, and of how similar success can be achieved in Europe in the future
Evaluation of the current market leaders and primary contenders for entrance in to the market
Assessment of product positioning and life-cycle management strategies of branded and pipeline manufacturers

Research and analysis highlights

Datamonitor estimates that approximately 67 million insomnia patients will receive prescribed drug therapy in 2004 across the seven major markets, although the potential patient population is considerably higher at 238 million across the seven major markets.
Ambien is currently the market-leading insomnia drug, with a 94% share of the branded insomnia market. However, the drug will face increasing competition with the launch of generic zolpidem and numerous novel drugs.
Sepracor's Estorra and Neurocrine/Pfizer's indiplon are expected to reach market during 2005, and will drive the growth of the insomnia market, both reaching blockbuster status within the forecast period.

Key reasons to read this report

Analyze the commercial viability of the insomnia market, based on estimated patient numbers, historical and forecast sales data
Develop an understanding of key unmet needs of the insomnia market, market entry and consolidation strategies a current and future players
Identify and assess novel R&D compounds in the insomnia pipeline

ABOUT DATAMONITOR HEALTHCARE

About the CNS pharmaceutical analysis team

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction
Scope and coverage of the Brief
Key findings about the topic: Datamonitor estimates that approximately 67 million insomnia patients will receive prescribed drug therapy in 2004 across the seven major markets, although the potential patient population is considerably higher at 238 million across the seven major markets.; Ambien is currently the market-leading insomnia drug, with a 94% share of the branded insomnia market. However, the drug will face increasing competition with the launch of generic zolpidem and numerous novel drugs.; Sepracor's Estorra and Neurocrine/Pfizer's indiplon are expected to reach market during 2005, and will drive the growth of the insomnia market, both reaching blockbuster status within the forecast period.

DIESEASE OVERVIEW

Disease definition: Insomnia classification
Epidemiology: Prevalence of insomnia; Gender; Diagnosis and diagnosis rates; Treatment
Economic consequences
Summary of patient potential

PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPY

Benzodiazepines
Drugs used off-label: Antihistamines; Antidepressants
Unmet needs in insomnia

BRANDED INSOMNIA DRUGS

Ambien/Stilnox (zolpidem): Marketing strategies; Reformulation; Demonstrate long-term efficacy and safety of Ambien; Sanofi-Aventis and insomnia
Sonata (zaleplon): Marketing strategies
Current market overview: US market; Japanese market; European market

PIPELINE COMPOUNDS

Indiplon: Marketing strategies
Estorra (eszopiclone): Marketing strategies
Estorra versus Indiplon
TAK-375
Gaboxadol

FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Reformulation strategies: Sonata; Ambien CR
Free drug trials
Targeting US employers
Insomnia market forecast

APPENDIX

Contributing experts
Bibliography
Websites: Research methodology; Disclaimer

List of Tables

Table 1: Insomnia patient populations (000s) across the seven major markets, 2004
Table 2: Marketed insomnia drugs' revenues in the US, Japan and five major European markets ($m), 1999-2003
Table 3: Insomnia R&D pipeline, 2004
Table 4: Insomnia market forecast, 2003-12 ($m)

List of Figures

Figure 1: Symptoms of insomnia in the US population
Figure 2: Characteristics of the ideal hypnotic drug, 2004
Figure 3: Impact of generic of Zimovane revenues in the five major European markets
Figure 4: Revenues of Ambien, Sonata and other marketed insomnia drugs in the US, Japan and five major European markets ($m), 1999-2003
Figure 5: Ambien free trial offer
Figure 6: Insomnia market forecast, 2004-12