Jazz Pharmaceuticals Presents Late-Breaking Phase 4 Data Showcasing Xywav® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) Oral Solution Treatment Outcomes in Narcolepsy at SLEEP 2025
- XYLO study met its primary endpoint with clinically meaningful blood pressure reductions (-4.1 mmHg)
- Successful secondary endpoints achievement with -5.1 mmHg daytime SBP and -9.2 mmHg resting SBP reduction
- DUET trial showed effectiveness at higher doses (9-12g) with improved daytime sleepiness outcomes
- All treatment-emergent adverse events were mild to moderate with no new safety concerns
- None.
Insights
Positive XYLO and DUET trial data strengthens Xywav's clinical profile as a low-sodium alternative with cardiovascular benefits for narcolepsy patients.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals has presented compelling Phase 4 data for Xywav that significantly strengthens its clinical differentiation versus high-sodium oxybate formulations. The XYLO switch study demonstrated a clinically meaningful -4.1 mmHg reduction in 24-hour systolic blood pressure when patients switched from high-sodium oxybate to Xywav. This is particularly significant as the trial achieved multiple secondary endpoints, including a substantial -9.2 mmHg reduction in in-office systolic blood pressure.
The cardiovascular benefit profile represents a critical competitive advantage for Xywav, especially considering narcolepsy patients face increased cardiovascular comorbidity risks. This data creates a stronger clinical rationale for physicians to prescribe Xywav over traditional high-sodium alternatives, potentially accelerating conversion of the existing oxybate patient base to Jazz's newer formulation.
Equally important, the DUET trial data demonstrated Xywav's effectiveness at higher doses (9-12 grams) than the current label recommendation (6-9 grams). This expands Xywav's potential utility for patients requiring higher dosing for symptom control, addressing an unmet need in treatment-resistant cases. The safety profile at these higher doses remained consistent with known data, showing no concerning new signals regarding central apnea events or oxygen saturation.
The scientific quality of these findings is underscored by all four of Jazz's abstracts being selected as late-breaking oral presentations at SLEEP 2025, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to leadership in sleep medicine. This data may support future label expansions and strengthens Jazz's market position against potential competitive threats in the narcolepsy space.
First presentation of the Phase 4 XYLO switch study reports blood pressure reductions in patients with narcolepsy when switching from twice-nightly high- to low-sodium oxybate
Novel intermediate analysis from the DUET trial cohort of patients taking >9 grams evaluated safety and changes in daytime sleepiness in adults with narcolepsy taking Xywavdosages of 9-12 grams per night
For
"People living with narcolepsy have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and cardiometabolic comorbidities," said Richard J. Kovacs, MD, MACC, Chief Medical Officer, American College of Cardiology and Q.E. and Sally Russell Professor of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, and XYLO Steering Committee member. "Results from the XYLO study reinforce the importance of monitoring cardiovascular indicators, including blood pressure, and the need to minimize exposure to excess sodium in this at-risk population. Reducing cardiovascular risk and disease is an important goal for all healthcare providers."
"People with narcolepsy live with a complex, severe disorder and often must combat excessive daytime sleepiness and associated symptoms � but the challenges they face are not only limited to sleep," said Kelvin Tan, MB BCh, MRCPCH, chief medical affairs officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Results from the XYLO interim analysis add to the overwhelming body of evidence demonstrating the positive implications of limiting unnecessary sodium intake, and emphasize how choosing low-sodium oxybate, Xywav, rather than twice-nightly high-sodium oxybate helps reduce excessive sodium burden, a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, in people with narcolepsy."
Phase 4 XYLO Results Show Impact of Switching from Twice-Nightly High- to Low-Sodium Oxybate on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in People with Narcolepsy
The open-label, single arm Phase 4 XYLO switch trial (n=43) met its primary endpoint of change in mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) from baseline (taking twice-nightly high-sodium oxybate) to end-of-treatment (after six weeks on low-sodium oxybate, Xywav), with a �4.1 (�6.9, �1.4; P=0.0019) mmHg change. These results show that switching from twice-nightly high-sodium oxybate to the same dosage of low-sodium oxybate, Xywav, for approximately 6 weeks reduced daily treatment-related sodium intake and was associated with clinically meaningful blood pressure reductions in participants with narcolepsy, which was paralleled by 24-hour urinary sodium reduction. XYLO results are consistent with the extensive body of evidence on the benefits of reducing sodium intake.
The study also achieved key secondary endpoints, including mean change in ambulatory daytime SBP (-5.1 mmHg; P=0.0003) and mean change in seated resting (in-office) SBP (-9.2 mmHg; (P<0.0001). The change in mean nighttime ambulatory SBP was �2.0 (P=0.1265) mmHg. Exploratory endpoints evaluated change in 24-hour, daytime ambulatory, seated resting, and nighttime ambulatory diastolic blood pressure.
Overall, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in
Phase 4 DUET Data Evaluated Effectiveness and Safety of Xywav in Adults with Narcolepsy Taking Dosages of 9-12 Grams
This intermediate analysis, which evaluates a cohort of adults with narcolepsy from the DUET (Develop hypersomnia Understanding by Evaluating low-sodium oxybate Treatment) trial, demonstrated improvements in EDS on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the study's primary endpoint, in 24 participants taking 9-12 grams of Xywav twice-nightly, as compared to 9 grams at baseline. The current recommended dosage of Xywav for adults with narcolepsy is 6-9 grams per night. Following dose optimization, the average Xywav dose during the stable-dose period was 11.2 g/night.
Participants with narcolepsy in this intermediate cohort analysis also experienced improvements on the Narcolepsy Severity Scale. Additionally, participants showed minimal changes in the number of central apnea events, mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels, or the mean percent of total sleep time with SpO2 <
The DUET trial is a Phase 4, prospective, single-arm, open-label study to assess the effect of Xywav treatment on EDS, polysomnography parameters, and functional outcomes in adults with narcolepsy or IH. Overall, TEAEs were all mild or moderate and consistent with the known safety profile of Xywav at lower dosages.
The full abstracts will be available online at .
About Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic, debilitating neurologic sleep disorder characterized by the inability to maintain continuous sleep at night and sustained wakefulness throughout the day. This leads to symptoms that can include fragmented or disrupted nighttime sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cataplexy.1 Patients with EDS due to narcolepsy experience sleep attacks, called cataplexy, and, despite fighting the urge to sleep, may unintentionally fall asleep for short periods.2,3These sleep attacks may happen at inappropriate or potentially dangerous times such as during driving, cycling, eating, or mid-conversation.4
There is no cure for narcolepsy, therefore this EDS is lifelong and has a substantial negative impact on a person's ability to function psychologically, socially and professionally.5Patients with narcolepsy are at increased risk forhypertension, cardiometabolic morbidity,stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and death.6,7,8,9 As narcolepsy is a chronic condition that requires lifelong, nightly treatment, early access to an effective, low-sodium treatment can transform lives and reduce the impact of narcolepsy on a person's physical and mental health.5
About Xywav®(calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution
Xywavis the only low-sodium oxybate approved by theU.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. The FDA recognized seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity forXywavfor the treatment of cataplexy or EDS in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. The Office of Orphan Product Development (OOPD) at the FDA also published its summary of clinical superiority findings forXywavfor the treatment of cataplexy or EDS in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy by means of greater cardiovascular safety compared to Xyrem®(sodium oxybate) oral solution. The decision of the OOPD is based on the FDA findings thatXywavprovides a greatly reduced chronic sodium burden compared toXyrem.Xywavhas 131 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended nightly dosewhereas other high sodium oxybates have 1640 mg at the equivalent dose.Xywavis comprised of a unique composition of cations resulting in
Xywavis also the first and onlyU.S.FDA-approved treatment option for idiopathic hypersomnia in adults. The FDA recognized seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity forXywavfor the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia in adults.Xywavis the only FDA-approved treatment studied across the multiple symptoms of idiopathic hypersomnia, such as EDS, sleep inertia (severe grogginess or confusion when waking up), long sleep duration and cognitive impairment.Xywavcan be administered as a twice- or once-nightly regimen for the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia in adults.
The exact mechanism of action ofXywavin the treatment of adults with idiopathic hypersomnia and of cataplexy and EDS in narcolepsy is unknown. It is hypothesized that the therapeutic effects ofXywavare mediated through GABABactions during sleep at noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons, as well as thalamocortical neurons.10TheU.S.Drug Enforcement Agency(DEA) has designatedXywavas a Schedule III medicine. The DEA defines Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.10,11Because of the risks of central nervous system (CNS) depression and abuse and misuse,Xywav is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS.
Important Safety Information for Xywav
WARNING: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION and ABUSE AND MISUSE.
Because of the risks of CNS depression and abuse and misuse, XYWAV is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS. |
Contraindications
XYWAViscontraindicated
- in combination with sedative hypnotics or alcohol and
- in patients withsuccinicsemialdehydedehydrogenasedeficiency.
Warnings and Precautions
Central Nervous System Depression
The concurrent use of XYWAV with other CNS depressants, including but not limited to opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants or antipsychotics, sedating anti-epileptic drugs, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, and/or illicit CNS depressants, may increase the risk of respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, and death. If use of these CNS depressants in combination with XYWAV is required, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including XYWAV) should be considered. In addition, if short-term use of an opioid (eg, post- or perioperative) is required, interruption of treatment with XYWAV should be considered.
Afterfirst initiating treatmentand until certain thatXYWAVdoes not affectthemadversely (eg, impairjudgment, thinking,or motor skills), cautionpatients againsthazardousactivitiesrequiring completemental alertnessor motorcoordinationsuch as operatinghazardousmachinery, includingautomobilesor airplanes. Also caution patients against these hazardous activities for at least 6 hours after takingXYWAV. Patientsshould be queriedabout CNS depression-related eventsupon initiationof XYWAV therapyandperiodicallythereafter.
Abuse and Misuse
XYWAV is a Schedule Ill controlled substance. The active moiety of XYWAV is oxybate, also known asgamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a ScheduleI controlled substance. Abuse of illicit GHB, either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants, is associated with CNS adverse reactions, including seizure, respiratory depression, decreases in the level of consciousness, coma, and death. The rapid onset of sedation, coupled with the amnestic features ofGHB particularly when combined with alcohol, has proven to be dangerous for the voluntary and involuntary user (eg, assault victim). Physicians should carefully evaluate patients for a history of drug abuse and follow such patients closely.
XYWAVandXYREMREMS
Because of the risks of central nervous system depression and abuse and misuse,XYWAV is available only through a restricted distribution program called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS.
NotablerequirementsoftheXYWAVandXYREMREMSinclude thefollowing:
- Healthcare Providers who prescribeXYWAVarespecially certified
- XYWAVwillbedispensedonlybythecentralpharmacy thatisspeciallycertified
- XYWAVwill be dispensedand shippedonly to patientswho are enrolled in the XYWAV andXYREMREMSwithdocumentationofsafeuse
Furtherinformationis availableat or1-866-997-3688.
Respiratory Depression and Sleep-Disordered Breathing
XYWAV may impair respiratory drive, especially in patients with compromised respiratory function. Inoverdosesof oxybateandwith illicituse of GHB, life-threatening respiratory depressionhas beenreported. Increased apnea and reduced oxygenation may occur with XYWAV administration in adult andpediatricpatients. A significant increasein thenumberof central apneasand clinically significantoxygendesaturationmay occurin patients with obstructivesleep apneatreated with XYWAV. Prescribers should be aware that sleep-related breathing disorders tend to be more prevalent in obese patients, in men, in postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy, and among patients with narcolepsy.
Depression andSuicidality
In Study 1, the randomized-withdrawal clinical trial in adult patients with narcolepsy (n=201), depression and depressed mood were reported in
In Study 2, the randomized-withdrawal clinical trial in adult patients with idiopathic hypersomnia (n=154), depression and depressed mood were reported in
Two suicides and two attempted suicides occurred in adult clinical trials with oxybate (same active moiety as XYWAV). One patient experienced suicidal ideation and two patients reported depression in a pediatric clinical trial with oxybate. These events occurred in patients with and without previous histories of depressive disorders. The emergenceofdepressionin patients treatedwith XYWAV requires careful and immediateevaluation. Monitor patients for the emergence of increaseddepressivesymptoms and/or suicidalitywhiletakingXYWAV.
Other Behavioral or Psychiatric Adverse Reactions
InStudy 1,confusion and anxietyoccurredin
In Study 2, confusion and anxiety occurred in
Otherneuropsychiatricreactions reportedwith oxybate(sameactivemoiety as XYWAV)in adult or pediatric clinicaltrialsand in the postmarketing setting include hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis, aggression, agitation, confusion and anxiety. The emergence or increase in the occurrence of behavioral or psychiatric events in patients taking XYWAV should be carefully monitored.
Parasomnias
ParasomniascanoccurinpatientstakingXYWAV.
In Study 1 and Study 2,parasomnias, including sleepwalking, were reported in
Inaclinical trialofXYREM(sameactive moietyasXYWAV) in adult patients with narcolepsy, five instances of sleepwalking with potential injury or significant injury were reported. Parasomnias, including sleepwalking, have been reported in a pediatric clinical trial with sodium oxybate(sameactivemoietyasXYWAV) andinpostmarketingexperiencewithsodiumoxybate.
Episodes of sleepwalking should be fully evaluated and appropriate interventions considered.
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Themostcommon adversereactions (occurring in �
In the pediatric clinical trial with XYREM (same active moiety as XYWAV) that included pediatric patients 7 to 17 years of age with narcolepsy, the most common adverse reactions (�
Additional Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions that occurred in 2-<
Adverse reactions that occurred in�
Discontinuation: In Study 1, 9 of 201 patients (
In the pediatric clinical trial with XYREM (same active moiety as XYWAV), 7 of 104 patients reported adverse reactions that led to withdrawal from the study (hallucination, tactile; suicidal ideation; weight decreased; sleep apnea syndrome; affect lability; anger, anxiety, depression; and headache).
Drug Interactions
XYWAV is contraindicated in combination with alcohol or sedative hypnotics. Use of other CNS depressantsmaypotentiatetheCNS-depressanteffects ofXYWAV.
Concomitantuse of sodiumoxybate with divalproexsodiumresults in an increase in systemicexposure toGHB, which was shown to cause a greater impairment on some tests of attention and working memory in a clinical study. A similar increase in exposure is expected with concomitant use ofXYWAV and divalproexsodium; therefore, an initial dose reduction of XYWAV is recommended when used concomitantly withdivalproexsodium. Prescribersare advisedto monitorpatientresponse closely and adjust dose accordinglyifconcomitantuseofXYWAVanddivalproex sodiumiswarranted.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of XYWAV or sodiumoxybatein pregnant women. XYWAV should be used during pregnancyonly if the potential benefitjustifiesthepotentialrisktothefetus.GHB is excreted in human milk after oral administration of sodiumoxybate.There is insufficientinformationon the risk to a breastfed infant, and there is insufficientinformationon milkproductionin nursingmothers.Thedevelopmentalandhealthbenefits ofbreastfeeding should beconsidered along with the mother's clinical need for XYWAV and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infantfrom XYWAV orfromtheunderlying maternalcondition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of XYWAV for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in pediatric patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy have been established. XYWAV has not been studied in a pediatric clinical trial for narcolepsy or IH. Use of XYWAV in pediatric patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study of sodium oxybate in pediatric patients 7 to 17 years of age, a study in adults showing a treatment effect of XYWAV similar to that observed with sodium oxybate, pharmacokinetic data of sodium oxybate from adult and pediatric patients, and pharmacokinetic data of XYWAV from healthy adult volunteers.
SafetyandeffectivenessofXYWAV inpediatricpatients belowtheageof7yearswith narcolepsy havenotbeenestablished.
Safety and effectiveness of XYWAV for the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Hepatic Impairment
ThestartingdoseofXYWAV shouldbereducedinpatientswithliverimpairment.
Dosage Modification in Patients with Hepatic Impairment:The recommended starting dosage in patients with hepatic impairment is one-half of the original dosage per night, administered orally, divided into two doses.
Dependence and Tolerance
Therehavebeencasereportsofwithdrawal,rangingfrommildtosevere,followingdiscontinuationofillicit use of GHBat frequentrepeateddoses(18g to 250 g per day)in excessof the recommendeddosage range. Signs and symptomsof GHB withdrawal following abrupt discontinuation included insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, lethargy, nausea, tremor, sweating, muscle cramps, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, rebound fatigue and sleepiness, confusion, and, particularly in the case of severe withdrawal, visual hallucinations, agitation, and delirium. These symptoms generally abated in 3 to 14 days. In cases of severe withdrawal, hospitalization may be required.
In the clinical trial experiencewithXYREM in narcolepsy/cataplexy patients at recommended doses, two patients reported anxiety and one reported insomnia following abrupt discontinuation at the termination of the clinical trial; in the two patients with anxiety, the frequency of cataplexy had increased markedly at the same time. In theXYWAV clinical trial in adult narcolepsy/cataplexy patients at recommended doses,one patientreported insomniafollowingabruptdiscontinuationofXYWAV. In the XYWAV clinical trial in adult idiopathic hypersomnia patients at recommended doses, six patients reported insomnia, two patients reported early insomnia, and one patient reported visual and auditory hallucinations following abrupt discontinuation of XYWAV.
Tolerance to XYWAV has not been systematically studied in controlled clinical trials. There have been some case reports of symptoms of tolerance developing after illicit use at dosages far in excess of the recommended XYWAV dosage regimen.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning here:
About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing potentially life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases � often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience. Jazz is headquartered inDublin, Irelandwith research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit for more information.
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Kristin Bhavnani
Head of Global Corporate Communications
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
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Jeff Macdonald
Executive Director, Investor Relations
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
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References:
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Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2006. - Peacock J,Benca RM. Narcolepsy: clinical features, co-morbidities & treatment. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2010;131(2):338-349.
- National Health Service. Narcolepsy � Overview. 2019.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/narcolepsy/. Accessed June 2025.
- Ben-JosephRH, Saad R, Black J, et al. Cardiovascular burden of narcolepsy disease (CV-BOND): a real-world evidence study. Presented at: 2022 AAN Annual Meeting; April 2-7;
Seattle, Washington . Poster 1203. - Black J,Reaven NL, Funk SE, et al. Medical comorbidity in narcolepsy: findings from the Burden of Narcolepsy Disease (BOND) study. Sleep Med. 2017;33:13-18.
- Ohayon MM, Black J, Lai C, et al. Increased mortality in narcolepsy. Sleep. 2014;37(3):439-444.
- Ohayon MM. Narcolepsy is complicated by high medical and psychiatric comorbidities: a comparison with the general population. Sleep Med. 2013;14(6):488-492.
- Xywav (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium oxybates) oral solution. Prescribing Information.
Palo Alto, CA : Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2021. - United States Drug Enforcement Agency. Drug Scheduling.https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling. Accessed June 2025.
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