FDA Grants Priority Review to Takeda's Oveporexton for Narcolepsy Type 1
The FDA accepted Takeda's NDA for oveporexton (TAK-861), an oral orexin receptor 2 agonist for narcolepsy type 1, and granted Priority Review with a PDUFA goal date in Q3 2026. The drug could become the first approved orexin agonist.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted Takeda's New Drug Application and granted Priority Review for oveporexton (TAK-861) for the treatment of narcolepsy type 1 (NT1). The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date in the third quarter of this calendar year. Takeda remains on track to potentially bring the first approved orexin agonist treatment to people living with NT1.
Oveporexton is an investigational oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R)-selective agonist designed to address the underlying orexin deficiency that causes NT1 by restoring orexin signaling. NT1 is a chronic, rare neurological disease caused by a loss of orexin and characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone). This results in a spectrum of physical, cognitive and psychosocial effects that can have a debilitating impact on many aspects of a person's life, including work, education and social interactions. Despite existing therapies, the majority of patients continue to experience symptoms and are forced to cope with the continued impact of NT1.
The NDA filing is supported by a comprehensive data package including the FirstLight (TAK-861-3001) and RadiantLight (TAK-861-3002) global Phase 3 studies. Key oveporexton data measuring objective and patient-reported improvements in wakefulness, excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, ability to maintain attention, overall quality of life and daily life functions demonstrate statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements achieving near normal ranges across the broad range of symptoms investigated.
Oveporexton was generally well-tolerated with a safety profile consistent across clinical studies to date. The most common adverse events were insomnia, urinary urgency and urinary frequency. Building on lessons from earlier candidates, its 10-fold higher potency contributes to a low dose that may avoid liver toxicity.
Oveporexton previously received Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in NT1 from the U.S. FDA and the Center for Drug Evaluation of China's National Medical Products Administration. Oveporexton has also received Sakigake designation from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Takeda is spearheading orexin science with the most advanced development program. The tailored portfolio of investigational orexin agonists could benefit a broad range of conditions where orexin biology plays a role. TAK-360 is the next oral OX2R agonist in Takeda's orexin franchise, initially being developed for individuals with narcolepsy type 2 (NT2) and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH). Additional orexin agonists are also in development, including TAK-495.
The NDA filing has no significant impact on the full year consolidated forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.