Cataplexy Market

• Cataplexy, a hallmark symptom of narcolepsy type 1, manifests as sudden, transient episodes of muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions, while consciousness remains intact—significantly impairing quality of life.
• In the United States, narcolepsy affects approximately 1 in 2,000 individuals, with type 1 (with cataplexy) accounting for about 20% of all cases and showing no sex predominance.
• The only FDA-approved therapy specifically indicated for both excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy is sodium oxybate—a central nervous system depressant and GABA metabolite—though its precise mechanism of action remains unclear.
• In October 2024, the FDA approved LUMRYZ, an extended-release, once-nightly sodium oxybate formulation for pediatric narcolepsy, providing clinical convenience and lowering caregiver burden—marking an important step in pediatric management.
• Despite therapeutic advances, significant gaps remain in the treatment landscape of cataplexy, as most emerging therapies are broadly focused on narcolepsy as a whole rather than targeting cataplexy as a discrete symptom.
• Companies such as Axsome Therapeutics, Alkermes, and Avadel Pharmaceuticals are actively developing agents that address both core symptoms—EDS and cataplexy—but no next-generation cataplexy-specific therapy has yet reached late-stage clinical development.

DelveInsight’s comprehensive report titled “Cataplexy — Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034” offers a detailed analysis of cataplexy. The report presents historical and projected epidemiological data covering Total Prevalent Cases of Narcolepsy, Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Narcolepsy, Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Cataplexy, and Treated Cases of Cataplexy. In addition to epidemiology, the market report encompasses various aspects related to the patient population. These aspects include the diagnosis process, prescription patterns, physician perspectives, market accessibility, treatment options, and prospective developments in the market across seven major markets: the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan, spanning from 2020 to 2034.

The report analyzes the existing treatment practices and unmet medical requirements in cataplexy. It evaluates the market potential and identifies potential business prospects for enhancing therapies or interventions. This valuable information enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding product development and strategic planning for the market.

Cataplexy Overview

Cataplexy, a physical feature of narcolepsy, is characterized by transient episodes of voluntary muscle weakness precipitated by intense emotion. Subjective descriptions of cataplexy can assist in the identification of narcolepsy, as this feature is all but unique to the disorder. Unfortunately, cataplexy is challenging to identify, often going undetected.

Cataplexy Diagnosis and Treatment Algorithm 

Cataplexy is diagnosed based on clinical history and is most commonly associated with narcolepsy type 1. It is characterized by sudden, brief episodes of muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, excitement, or anger, while consciousness remains intact. Diagnosis typically involves overnight polysomnography followed by a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) to confirm excessive daytime sleepiness and detect sleep-onset REM periods. Measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin-1 levels can support the diagnosis, as levels are often low or undetectable in narcolepsy with cataplexy. 

While behavior modifications play a role in the management of the excessive daytime sleepiness associated with type 1 narcolepsy, treatment of cataplexy is purely pharmacological. The duration of therapy is indefinite, as type 1 narcolepsy is incurable. It bears mentioning that treatment options include various combinations of medications, often creating an individualized treatment. Successful management of cataplexy requires the use of REM sleep-suppressing drugs. Such agents increase the concentration of norepinephrine and serotonin. The following pharmacologic agents are considered first-line in the management of cataplexy: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Cataplexy Epidemiology

The epidemiology section of the cataplexy market report offers information on the patient populations, including historical and projected trends for each of the seven major markets. Examining key opinion leader views from physicians or clinical experts can assist in identifying the reasons behind historical and projected trends. The diagnosed patient pool, their trends, and the underlying assumptions are all included in this section of the report.

This section also presents the data with relevant tables and graphs, offering a clear and concise view of the prevalence of cataplexy. Additionally, the report discloses the assumptions made during the analysis, ensuring data interpretation and presentation transparency. This epidemiological data is valuable for understanding the disease burden and its impact on the patient population across various regions.

• According to the secondary, In the US, narcolepsy affects 1 in 2000 individuals with an equal distribution amongst the sexes.
• Two forms of narcolepsy exist: type 1 is associated with cataplexy while this feature is absent in type 2. 
• As per Ohayon et al (2023), the prevalence of narcolepsy with cataplexy was 12.6 per 100,000 individuals and narcolepsy without cataplexy was 25.1 per 100,000.

Cataplexy Market Outlook

The cataplexy market is further expected to increase by the major drivers, such as the rising prevalence population, technological advancements, and upcoming therapies in the forecast period (2025–2034).

With ongoing research and continued dedication, the future holds hope for even more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this challenging condition. According to DelveInsight, the Cataplexy in the 7MM is expected to change significantly during the forecast period 2025–2034.

Cataplexy Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Amneal Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. FDA approved its sodium oxybate oral solution 500 mg/mL under an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), referencing Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Xyrem®. Amneal had previously distributed an authorized generic of the solution in limited quantities. Sodium oxybate is a CNS depressant used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in narcolepsy patients, helping consolidate nighttime sleep and reduce cataplexy episodes, making it a standard treatment for the condition.

Cataplexy Drug Chapters 

Marketed Cataplexy Drugs

LUMRYZ (sodium oxybate): Avadel

LUMRYZ is an extended-release sodium oxybate approved by the US FDA as the one and only once-at-bedtime treatment for cataplexy or EDS in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. In May 2023, the agency initially approved sodium oxybate for cataplexy or EDS in adults with narcolepsy after Avadel submitted an amendment to the FDA’s request for final approval. LUMRYZ comes with a boxed warning as a central nervous system depressant, and for its potential abuse and misuse. It is currently only available through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy called the LUMRYZ REMS. With the approval, the drug was granted 7 years of orphan drug exclusivity.

Note: Detailed marketed therapies assessment will be provided in the final report

Emerging Cataplexy Drugs

Reboxetine (AXS 12): Axsome Therapeutics

Reboxetine is a highly selective and potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor being developed for the treatment of narcolepsy. It is thought to modulate noradrenergic activity to promote wakefulness, maintain muscle tone and enhance cognition. AXS-12 has been granted FDA Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of narcolepsy. The product is in Phase III of development, and Phase III trial to assess the safety and efficacy of AXS-12 in narcoleptic subjects with cataplexy and EDS.

ALKS 2680: Alkermes

ALKS 2680 is an investigational, oral orexin 2 receptor agonist in development as a once-daily treatment for narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2. Currently, it is in Phase II of its clinical development.

Cataplexy Market Segmentation

DelveInsight’s ‘Cataplexy – Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a detailed outlook of the current and future cataplexy market, segmented within countries, by therapies, and by classes. Further, the market of each region is then segmented by each therapy to provide a detailed view of the current and future market share of all therapies. 

Cataplexy Market Size by Countries

The cataplexy market size is assessed separately for various countries, including the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan. In 2024, the United States held a significant share of the overall 7MM cataplexy market, primarily attributed to the country’s higher prevalence of the condition and the elevated cost of the available treatments. This dominance is projected to persist, especially with the potential early introduction of new products.

Cataplexy Market Size by Therapies

Cataplexy Market Size by Therapies is categorized into current and emerging markets for the study period 2020–2034.

Cataplexy Drugs Uptake

This section focuses on the sales uptake of potential cataplexy drugs that have recently been launched or are anticipated to be launched in the cataplexy market between 2020 and 2034. It estimates the market penetration of cataplexy drugs for a given country, examining their impact within and across classes and segments. It also touches upon the financial and regulatory decisions contributing to the probability of success (PoS) of the drugs in the cataplexy market.

The emerging cataplexy therapies are analyzed based on various attributes such as safety and efficacy in randomized clinical trials, order of entry and other market dynamics, and the unmet need they fulfill in the cataplexy market.

Note: Detailed assessment of drug uptake and attribute analysis will be provided in the full report on cataplexy.

Cataplexy Market Access and Reimbursement

DelveInsight’s ‘Cataplexy – Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a descriptive overview of the market access and reimbursement scenario of cataplexy.

This section includes a detailed analysis of the country-wise healthcare system for each therapy, enlightening the market access, reimbursement policies, and health technology assessments. 

KOL Views

To keep up with current cataplexy market trends and fill gaps in secondary findings, we interview KOLs and SMEs’ working in the cataplexy domain. Their opinion helps understand and validate current and emerging therapies and treatment patterns or cataplexy market trends. This will support the clients in potential upcoming novel treatments by identifying the overall scenario of the market and the cataplexy unmet needs.

Cataplexy: KOL Insights

DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 50+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 15+ KOLs in the 7MM. These KOLs were from organizations, institutes, and hospitals, such as Mercer University, US, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, ellvitge-Idibell University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK, and University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, among others.

“It is all but unique to type 1 narcolepsy, a disorder due to a deficiency of orexin-A, a wakefulness-promoting peptide neurotransmitter. Although incurable, multiple individual pharmacological agents exist for symptomatic management of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness. As this disorder is underdiagnosed, it is crucial that patients are active self-advocates and accurately describing their symptoms to health care providers.”

Note: Detailed assessment of KOL Views will be provided in the full report on Cataplexy.

Competitive Intelligence Analysis

We conduct a Competitive and Market Intelligence analysis of the cataplexy Market, utilizing various Competitive Intelligence tools such as SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies. The inclusion of these analyses is contingent upon data availability, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed assessment of the market landscape and competitive dynamics.

Cataplexy Pipeline Development Activities

The report offers an analysis of therapeutic candidates in Phase II and III stages and examines companies involved in developing targeted therapeutics for cataplexy. It provides valuable insights into the advancements and progress of potential treatments in clinical development for this condition.

Pipeline Development Activities

The report covers information on collaborations, acquisition and merger, licensing, patent details, and other information for emerging cataplexy therapies.

Cataplexy Report Insights

• Cataplexy Patient Population
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Cataplexy Pipeline Analysis
• Cataplexy Market Size and Trends
• Cataplexy Market Opportunities
• Impact of Upcoming Therapies

Cataplexy Report Key Strengths

• 10 Years Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage
• Cataplexy Epidemiology Segmentation
• Key Cross Competition
• Highly Analyzed cataplexy Market
• Cataplexy Drugs Uptake

Cataplexy Report Assessment

• Cataplexy Current Treatment Practices
• Unmet Needs
• Cataplexy Pipeline Product Profiles
• Cataplexy Market Attractiveness

Key Questions

• How common is Cataplexy?
• What are the key findings of cataplexy epidemiology across the 7MM, and which country will have the highest number of patients during the study period (2020–2034)?
• What are the currently available treatments for cataplexy?
• What are the disease risk, burden, and unmet needs of cataplexy?
• At what CAGR is the cataplexy market and its epidemiology is expected to grow in the 7MM during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How would the unmet needs impact the cataplexy market dynamics and subsequently influence the analysis of the related trends?
• What would be the forecasted patient pool of cataplexy in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan?
• Among EU4 and the UK, which country will have the highest number of patients during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How many companies are currently developing therapies for the treatment of cataplexy?   

Reasons to buy

• The report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the latest trends and changing treatment dynamics driving the cataplexy Market.
• Insights on patient burden/disease prevalence, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the existing market opportunity in varying geographies and the growth potential over the coming years.
• Distribution of historical and current patient share based on real-world prescription data along with reported sales of current treatment in the US, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.
• Identification of strong upcoming players in the market will help in devising strategies that will help in getting ahead of competitors.
• Detailed analysis and ranking of class-wise potential current and emerging therapies under the conjoint analysis section to provide visibility around leading classes.
• Highlights of Access and Reimbursement policies of approved therapies, barriers to accessibility of off-label expensive therapies, and patient assistance programs.
• To understand the perspective of Key Opinion Leaders around the accessibility, acceptability, and compliance-related challenges of existing treatment to overcome barriers in the future. 
• Detailed insights on the unmet needs of the existing market so that the upcoming players can strengthen their development and launch strategy.