TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

WAKIX (pitolisant hydrochloride)

Trial Activity: Stable 2 active trials
First-in-Class Orphan Drug Priority Review Fast Track
CNS Approved 2019-08-14

WAKIX is indicated for the treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness; Cataplexy; Narcolepsy.

Source: FDA Label • HARMONY

How WAKIX Works

Pitolisant functions as a histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist and inverse agonist. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully established, its therapeutic efficacy in treating EDS and cataplexy is believed to be mediated through its activity at these receptors.

Development Insights

Bioprojet conducting 5 trials (50%)
13 indications explored (Broad Platform)
excessive daytime sleepiness (3 trials)
narcolepsy with cataplexy (2 trials)
prader-willi syndrome (1 trials)
4
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
4
Priority Reviews
6
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2019-08-14
Patent Cliff
2030

Pro Metrics

Patent cliff and revenue data

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Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET

Companies

Active Ingredient: PITOLISANT HYDROCHLORIDE

WAKIX Approval History

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
12 FDA actions from 2019 to 2026 · 3 indication expansions
Feb 2026 SUPPL Priority
Efficacy
May 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jun 2024 SUPPL Priority
Efficacy

What WAKIX Treats

3 indications

WAKIX is approved for 3 conditions since its original approval in 2019. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
  • Cataplexy
  • Narcolepsy
Source: FDA Label

WAKIX Competitive Set

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Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to WAKIX

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FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

LUMRYZ
SODIUM OXYBATE
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AVADEL CNS
Shared indications:
CataplexyExcessive Daytime SleepinessNarcolepsy
XYREM
SODIUM OXYBATE
3 shared
JAZZ PHARMS
Shared indications:
CataplexyExcessive Daytime SleepinessNarcolepsy
XYWAV
CALCIUM OXYBATE
3 shared
JAZZ
Shared indications:
CataplexyExcessive Daytime SleepinessNarcolepsy
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

WAKIX FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

WAKIX is indicated for the treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness; Cataplexy; Narcolepsy.

View full patent landscape →
3 OB patents · 2 families · 85 international docs across 32 countries

WAKIX Patents & Exclusivity

Latest Patent: Mar 2030
Exclusivity: Feb 2033

Patents (3 active)

US8207197 Expires Mar 7, 2030
US8486947 Expires Sep 26, 2029
US8354430 Expires Feb 6, 2026

Exclusivity

NPP Until Jun 2027
ODE-255 Until Aug 2026
ODE-331 Until Oct 2027
ODE-489 Until Jun 2031
ODE-519 Until Feb 2033
NPP Until Jun 2027
ODE-255 Until Aug 2026
ODE-331 Until Oct 2027
ODE-489 Until Jun 2031
ODE-519 Until Feb 2033
NPP Until Jun 2027
ODE-255 Until Aug 2026
ODE-331 Until Oct 2027
ODE-489 Until Jun 2031
ODE-519 Until Feb 2033
NPP Until Jun 2027
ODE-255 Until Aug 2026
ODE-331 Until Oct 2027
ODE-489 Until Jun 2031
ODE-519 Until Feb 2033
Source: FDA Orange Book

Pro Intelligence Preview

Deep insights for WAKIX

Revenue Insights

  • Quarterly revenue tracking
  • Historical trend analysis

Patent Timeline

  • Cliff: 2030
  • 20 active patents

Trial Analysis

  • 10 total trials
  • Stage: Stable

Competitive Landscape

  • 20 similar drugs
  • Same target/indication analysis
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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.

How We Calculate These Metrics

Trial Activity Stage

Measures the current development activity pattern based on trial phases, status, and trends. Important: This measures R&D activity, not commercial lifecycle.

Trial statuses: "Active" means recruiting or ongoing. "Completed" means reached planned endpoint. "Terminated" means stopped early—often due to safety, efficacy, or business reasons.

  • Growth: High proportion of early-phase trials (Phase 1/2), active development
  • Expansion: Significant Phase 3 activity, approaching or pursuing approvals
  • Mature: Substantial Phase 4 post-marketing studies
  • Stable: Mixed phase distribution, steady development
  • Declining: Low active trial ratio, reduced R&D investment