Patent ID: 6638963
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: A61K

Abstract:
A method for achieving a circadian rhythm phase-shifting effect in a human, the method comprising the step ofadministering to the human an amount of melatonin, melatonin agonist or compound that increases endogenous production of melatonin in the human, wherein said administration produces in the human a plasma melatonin or agonist concentration of greater than quiescent melatonin or equivalent agonist levels at a time that overlaps with either onset of endogenous melatonin production in the human or offset of endogenous melatonin production in the human, wherein when the circadian rhythm phase-shifting effect is a phase advance, melatonin, melatonin agonist or compound that increases endogenous production of melatonin in the human is administered at a time after about CT 6 and prior to CT 14 to produce plasma melatonin or agonist concentrations of greater than quiescent melatonin or equivalent agonist levels that overlap endogenous melatonin production onset, said greater than quiescent melatonin or equivalent agonist levels rise before the melatonin onset and fall after the melatonin onset; or wherein when the circadian rhythm phase-shifting effect is a phase delay, melatonin, melatonin agonist or compound that increases endogenous production of melatonin in the human is administered at a time after about CT 18 and prior to CT 1 to produce plasma melatonin or agonist concentration of greater than quiescent melatonin or equivalent agonist levels that overlaps offset of endogenous melatonin production, said greater than quiescent melatonin or equivalent agonist levels rise before the melatonin offset and fall after the melatonin offset.