22 Dec 2006 - Organon, the human healthcare business unit of Akzo Nobel, has moved Org 50081, a Serotonin 2 blocker (S2B) for the treatment of insomnia, into Phase III clinical development.Willem de Laat, executive vice-president medical affairs at Organon said "Investigated dosages of the Org 50081 compound showed positive and robust results on multiple sleep parameters such as total sleep time and wakefulness after sleep onset. A statistically significant shorter time to sleep onset was demonstrated in Org 50081 treatment groups compared to placebo."
 
The Serotonin-2 blockade of Org 50081 is unique for an insomnia drug, according to the company. Unlike most other insomnia drugs, which work by interacting with the GABA receptors and thus have a potential risk for dependency, Org 50081's action is on the serotonergic and histaminergic systems. As such, while Org 50081 may improve both sleep initiation and sleep maintenance it is not likely to cause dependency.
 
Org 50081 is currently in Phase III development for two major indications: insomnia and menopausal symptoms (hot flashes).