Simcere Pharmaceuticals Group has launched QUVIVIQ® (daridorexant) in China. In 2022, Idorsia and Simcere entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for QUVIVIQ in Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau). Under the agreement, Simcere has the exclusive right to develop and commercialise QUVIVIQ in Greater China; Idorsia has to date received $80 million in milestone payments from Simcere.
QUVIVIQ, Idorsia’s dual orexin receptor antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with insomnia characterised by difficulty falling asleep and/or maintaining sleep. Notably, QUVIVIQ has been approved without psychotropic drug control labeling, underscoring its differentiated clinical profile.
Insomnia is a major public health challenge in China. Existing treatment options such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines are often associated with next-day drowsiness, risk of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and rebound insomnia upon discontinuation – leaving a significant unmet need for safer and effective alternatives.
Daridorexant, discovered by Idorsia, selectively blocks the binding of orexin neuropeptides to their receptors and regulates overactive wake signaling in insomnia disorder, in contrast to traditional hypnotics that broadly suppress brain activity.
