Will this sleep-disorder drug be the next big blockbuster? Orexin agonists have been approved for the treatment of a type of narcolepsy, yet they could also treat conditions across the health spectrum. By Amanda Heidt

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-03310-w?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=b691f2a608-nature-briefing-daily-20261020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-50432164 In August, a type of drug called an orexin agonist was approved by US regulators to treat narcolepsy — the first of what researchers hope will be many uses for this class of drug. Several pharma companies are already exploring the effectiveness of orexin agonists to treat conditions beyond sleep disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “Diabetes was the tip of the iceberg for GLP-1s, and I’m convinced the same story will play out for orexin,” says Andrew Plump, president of research and development at pharmaceutical company Takeda.