Bukwang Pharmaceutical said it launched Zaledeep Cap. (ingredient: zaleplon), an insomnia treatment, last Saturday.

Zaledeep Cap. is the first treatment in Korea that uses zaleplon as a main ingredient and Bukwang expects the launch of the treatment will provide a new treatment option for insomnia treatment patients. 

Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine class drug, which has already received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat insomnia.

According to published studies, Zaleplon has a short onset of action, rapid induction of sleep for insomnia patients, short half-life, low impact on daily activities, and low rebound insomnia.

“We expect good results due to high expectations and interest from both doctors and patients,” a company official said. “Also, as the number of people suffering from insomnia is increasing in modern society, we hope that the new insomnia treatment will help improve their sleep and quality of life.”

Bukwang has received approval for Zaledeep Cap. In two dosages -- 5 mg and 10 mg --, and has a starting dose of 10 mg per day, which can be increased up to 20 mg.