Tasimelteon for treating sleep disturbances associated with smith-magenis syndrome

Tasimelteon is in development for treating sleep disturbances in patients with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). SMS is a genetic condition, caused by genetic changes on chromosome 17. Clinical features of the condition include unique facial features, skeletal defects, varying degrees of cognitive disability, speech and motor delays, sleep disturbances and self-injurious or attention-seeking behaviours. Individuals with SMS have decreased total night sleep, lower sleep efficiency, earlier sleep onset, final sleep offset, and increased waking after sleep onset compared to healthy individuals of the same age. The severe sleep disorder seen in this population causes significant disruption in the lives of individuals with SMS and their families.