Core Insights - The prevalence of insomnia among adults in China is increasing, with the number of affected individuals expected to reach 300 million by 2024 and 330 million by 2030 [1] - The market for insomnia medications in China is projected to grow from 12.28 billion yuan in 2021 to 15.12 billion yuan by 2025, and further to 21.19 billion yuan by 2030 [1] - New dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have recently been approved for the Chinese market, targeting a broader population of insomnia sufferers [1][3] Market Trends - The sales of traditional hypnotics have shown rapid growth, with sample hospitals reporting sales of 1.641 billion yuan in 2021, and public hospitals spending 5.481 billion yuan on these medications [2] - Despite the growth, over 40% of the population suffers from sleep issues, with less than 30% seeking treatment, indicating a significant unmet demand [2] Drug Development - Traditional insomnia medications, primarily benzodiazepines, have side effects such as daytime drowsiness and cognitive impairment, which DORAs aim to overcome [2][3] - DORAs work by blocking the binding of orexin neuropeptides to their receptors, thus inducing natural sleep without the extensive sedation associated with traditional drugs [2][3] Regulatory and Market Entry - Two new DORA medications, approved in May and June 2023, are now available in hospitals and on e-commerce platforms, with intentions to negotiate for inclusion in the national medical insurance directory [3][4] - The current focus of domestic innovative pharmaceutical companies has been on oncology and autoimmune diseases, leading to fewer developments in insomnia treatments [4] Competitive Landscape - The insomnia medication market is competitive, with various options available, including traditional and herbal remedies [5] - Agomelatine, a melatonin receptor agonist, has shown significant sales growth, reaching 640 million yuan in 2022, a 29.6% increase year-on-year [5] Treatment Recommendations - Non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation techniques and aerobic exercise are recommended for occasional insomnia, while persistent issues should be evaluated by specialists [6]

Core Insights - The prevalence of insomnia among adults in China is increasing, with the number of affected individuals expected to reach 300 million by 2024 and 330 million by 2030 [1] - The sleep economy market in China is expanding, with the insomnia medication market projected to grow from 12.28 billion yuan in 2021 to 15.12 billion yuan by 2025, and 21.19 billion yuan by 2030 [1] - New dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have been approved for the Chinese market, targeting the general population suffering from insomnia [1][2] Market Dynamics - The traditional insomnia medication market, primarily consisting of benzodiazepines, has seen rapid growth, with sales in sample hospitals reaching 1.641 billion yuan in 2021 [1] - Despite the growth, a significant portion of the insomnia population remains untreated, with over 40% of the population experiencing sleep issues and less than 30% seeking medical help [2] - DORAs present a new opportunity as they do not fall under the strict regulations of controlled substances, making them more accessible to the general public [2] Product Development - Two new DORA medications, Lemborexant and Daridorexant, were approved in China in May and June 2023, respectively, and are now available on e-commerce platforms and retail pharmacies [3] - Both medications have applied for inclusion in the national medical insurance directory, indicating potential for price negotiations and broader access [3] - Current clinical trials for DORA medications include YZJ-1139 and HEC-83518, indicating ongoing innovation in the insomnia treatment space [3] Competitive Landscape - The insomnia medication market is competitive, with various options available, including traditional medications and newer alternatives like melatonin receptor agonists [4] - Agomelatine, a melatonin receptor agonist, has shown significant sales growth, reaching 640 million yuan in 2022, with a year-on-year increase of 29.6% [4] - The dual orexin receptor antagonists are positioned to address unmet needs in the insomnia treatment market, particularly for patients who have not previously used related medications [3][4] Treatment Approaches - Non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation training, deep breathing, meditation, and aerobic exercise are recommended for occasional insomnia, reducing the need for medication [5] - For persistent insomnia, a thorough evaluation by a specialist is advised to rule out other underlying issues before considering medication [5]