Suvorexant for Postoperative Delirium
(REPOSE Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires you to stop taking certain medications, such as sedating sleep aids and moderate or strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, at least one week before surgery. If you are taking any of these, you may need to stop or adjust them to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug suvorexant for preventing postoperative delirium?
Is suvorexant generally safe for humans?
How is the drug Suvorexant unique for treating postoperative delirium?
Suvorexant is unique because it is a dual orexin receptor antagonist, which means it works by blocking the action of orexin, a chemical in the brain that promotes wakefulness. This mechanism is different from other sleep-promoting drugs that often reduce rapid eye movement sleep and can cause delirium, making Suvorexant potentially beneficial for reducing postoperative delirium by improving sleep without these side effects.15678
What is the purpose of this trial?
This research study will evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative administration of a drug called suvorexant, to improve postoperative sleep and decrease the severity of delirium (serious confusion) in adults 65 years and older undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Research Team
Michael Devinney Jr, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Duke University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 65 and older who are English-speaking, scheduled for non-cardiac surgery with an overnight stay, and can consent to participate. Excluded are those with a BMI over 40, severe sleep apnea, certain psychotic disorders, liver failure, or using specific medications that affect suvorexant.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Preoperative Assessment
Participants complete questionnaires, thinking and memory tests, attention tests, and pupil size measurements. A blood sample is collected.
Treatment
Participants receive either suvorexant or placebo for the first three nights after surgery. Sleep quality and delirium tests are conducted.
Postoperative Monitoring
Participants' sleep quality and delirium severity are assessed daily until postoperative day 5 or hospital discharge.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including hospital length of stay and follow-up visit.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Placebo
- Suvorexant
Suvorexant is already approved in United States, Japan for the following indications:
- Insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance
- Insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Duke University
Lead Sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Industry Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Marketing Officer since 2022
Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University