Roughly 8,000 people in the Netherlands live with narcolepsy, a chronic neurological condition that causes uncontrollable daytime sleep attacks and can severely disrupt daily life. Until now, treatment options have been limited to stimulants and behavioural therapies, offering only partial relief.
Encouraging clinical trial outcomes
A recent study led by researchers at Amsterdam UMC has shown that an investigational medication targeting histamine receptors significantly reduces daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy patients. Over a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 120 participants, those receiving the new drug reported:
- Longer wakeful periods: An average increase of 2.5 hours of uninterrupted alertness each day
- Fewer sleep attacks: A 60% drop in the frequency of sudden sleep episodes
- Improved quality of life: Enhanced ability to work, study and engage in social activities
Voices from the trial
“I used to struggle through morning meetings, nodding off without warning,” says trial participant Marijke van der Meer. “Since starting the treatment, I feel more present and productive.” Another participant, college student Dylan Peters, adds: “I haven’t fallen asleep in class once. It’s life-changing.”
Path to approval
With phase II results exceeding expectations, the research team is preparing for a larger phase III trial set to begin early next year. If those results mirror the current findings, the medication could receive European Medicines Agency review by late 2027, offering new hope for narcolepsy sufferers across the continent.
Meanwhile, Dutch patient organisations are calling on insurers to expand coverage for existing therapies and to support further research into long-term outcomes. As scientists push forward, the prospect of more effective, tailored treatments for narcolepsy appears brighter than ever.