Kunhil Pharm’s insomnia treatment, Cricadin, won the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s sales approval. The prolonged-release melatonin provide good quality natural sleep for patients with primary insomnia, the drug distributor said.

Circadin is said to have shown positive results in improving morning alertness, sleep and safety. Melatonin is an endocrine hormone that is principally produced and released into the blood by the pineal gland. Melatonin has been identified as a sleep-anticipating signal and as an important physiological regulator of the sleep-wake cycle.

“About one out of every three adults are said to be suffering from various degrees of insomnia. About 65 percent of the patients are over 55 years old, because the incremental reduction of melatonin secretion could lead to insomnia,” said Dr. Hong Seung-cheol, who participated in the clinical research.

Circadin was developed by Israeli drug maker Neurim Pharmaceuticals and is sold at 43 countries around the world.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)