A randomized, double-blind trial of 2.5 mg and 5 mg vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) versus placebo for 8 weeks in adults with major depressive disorder

Review of a New Multimodal Antidepressant Vortioxetine

Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant with two mechanisms of action – direct effect on several serotonin receptors and serotonin re-uptake inhibition. It shows antidepressant, anxiolytic and cognitive effects during the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this article was to summarize the use of vortioxetine in clinical studies and assess the efficacy and tolerability. Most of the studies reported a statistically significant efficacy for vortioxetine versus placebo. In addition, vortioxetine showed efficacy in patients with an inadequate response to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) or serotonin-noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors (SNRI) monotherapy and improved cognitive function in patients with MDD. In these studies, vortioxetine was well tolerated – most common observed adverse effect was nausea – and it was not associated with clinically important changes in laboratory test results or vital signs. Vortioxetine showed a relatively low incidence of sexual dysfunction.

A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of vortioxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults

The efficacy and safety of vortioxetine, an antidepressant approved for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), was studied in 11 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of 6/8 weeks׳ treatment duration. An aggregated study-level meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the magnitude and dose-relationship of the clinical effect of approved doses of vortioxetine (5-20mg/day). The primary outcome measure was change from baseline to endpoint in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score. Differences from placebo were analyzed using mixed model for repeated measurements (MMRM) analysis, with a sensitivity analysis also conducted using last observation carried forward. Secondary outcomes included MADRS single-item scores, response rate (≥50% reduction in baseline MADRS), remission rate (MADRS ≤10), and Clinical Global Impressions scores. Across the 11 studies, 1824 patients were treated with placebo and 3304 with vortioxetine (5mg/day: n=1001; 10mg/day: n=1042; 15mg/day: n=449; 20mg/day: n=812). The MMRM meta-analysis demonstrated that vortioxetine 5, 10, and 20mg/day were associated with significant reductions in MADRS total score (Δ-2.27, Δ-3.57, and Δ-4.57, respectively; p<0.01) versus placebo. The effects of 15mg/day (Δ-2.60; p=0.105) were not significantly different from placebo. Vortioxetine 10 and 20mg/day were associated with significant reductions in 9 of 10 MADRS single-item scores. Vortioxetine treatment was also associated with significantly higher rates of response and remission and with significant improvements in other depression-related scores versus placebo. This meta-analysis of vortioxetine (5-20mg/day) in adults with MDD supports the efficacy demonstrated in the individual studies, with treatment effect increasing with dose.

Vortioxetine for major depressive disorder: An indirect comparison with duloxetine, escitalopram, levomilnacipran, sertraline, venlafaxine, and vilazodone, using number needed to treat, number needed to harm, and likelihood to be helped or harmed

BACKGROUND

Vortioxetine is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and differs from other antidepressants in terms of its pharmacodynamic profile. Given the limited number of head-to-head studies comparing vortioxetine with other antidepressants, indirect comparisons using effect sizes observed in other trials can be helpful to discern potential differences in clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Data sources were the clinical trial reports for the pivotal short-term double-blind trials for vortioxetine and from publicly available sources for the pivotal short-term double-blind trials for two commonly used generic serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (sertraline, escitalopram), two commonly used generic serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (venlafaxine, duloxetine), and two recently introduced branded antidepressants (vilazodone, levomilnacipran). Response was the efficacy outcome of interest, defined as a≥50% reduction from baseline on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale or Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The tolerability outcome of interest was discontinuation because of an adverse event. Number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) for these outcomes vs. placebo were calculated, as well as likelihood to be helped or harmed (LHH) to contrast efficacy vs. tolerability.

RESULTS

The analysis included 8 studies for duloxetine, 3 studies for escitalopram, 5 studies for levomilnacipran, 1 study for sertraline, 4 studies for venlafaxine, 2 studies for vilazodone, and 11 studies for vortioxetine. NNTs for response vs. placebo were 6 (95% CI 5-8), 7 (5-11), 10 (8-16), 6 (4-13), 6 (5-9), 8 (6-16), and 9 (7-11), respectively. NNHs for discontinuation because of an adverse event vs. placebo were 25 (17-51), 31 (19-92), 19 (14-27), 7 (5-12), 8 (7-11), 27 (15-104), and 43 (28-91), respectively. LHH values contrasting response vs. discontinuation because of an adverse event were 4.3, 4.6, 1.8, 1.2, 1.4, 3.3, and 5.1 respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Subjects were all participants in carefully designed and executed clinical trials and may not necessarily reflect patients in clinical settings who may have complex psychiatric and non-psychiatric comorbidities. The measured outcomes come from different studies and thus comparisons are indirect.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine demonstrates similar efficacy to that observed for duloxetine, escitalopram, levomilnacipran, sertraline, venlafaxine, and vilazodone, however overall tolerability as measured by discontinuation because of an adverse event differs. Vortioxetine is 5.1 times more likely to be associated with response than discontinuation because of an adverse event when compared to placebo.

What role for ▼vortioxetine?

▼Vortioxetine (Brintellix-Lundbeck) is licensed for treating adults with major depressive episodes.(1) It acts on the serotonin system and is described as having a 'novel multimodal mechanism of action'.(2) The company claims that it is the first antidepressant in the EU to include an effect on certain aspects of cognitive function in patients with depression in its Summary of Product Characteristics.(3) The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended it as an option for patients whose current episode has responded inadequately to two antidepressants. Here we consider the evidence for vortioxetine and its place in treating major depression in adults.

Problems in the Descriptions of the Psychiatric Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria in Publications of Antidepressant Efficacy Trials: A Qualitative Review and Recommendations for Improved Clarity

We recently conducted a comprehensive review of the psychiatric inclusion and exclusion criteria used in 170 placebo-controlled antidepressant efficacy trials (AETs) that were published between 1995 and 2014. In conducting this literature review, we identified a number of instances in which the descriptions of the inclusion/exclusion criteria were vague, redundant, or difficult to interpret. In the present article, we describe nine problems we encountered in our literature review. We recommend that future publications follow the examples found in a few studies in which the inclusion/exclusion criteria are clearly defined and listed in a table.

The safety and tolerability of vortioxetine: Analysis of data from randomized placebo-controlled trials and open-label extension studies

The safety and tolerability of vortioxetine in adults with major depressive disorder was assessed. Tolerability was based on the nature, incidence and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) during acute (6/8) week treatment in 11 randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled short-term studies in major depressive disorder: six with an active reference. Symptoms following discontinuation were assessed through the Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms checklist in three studies. Long-term (⩽52 weeks) tolerability was evaluated in five open-label extension studies. Patients (n =5701) were acutely treated with either placebo (n=1817), vortioxetine (5-20mg/day; n=3018), venlafaxine XR (225mg/day; n=113) or duloxetine (60mg/day; n=753). The withdrawal rate due to TEAEs during treatment with vortioxetine (5-20mg/day) was 4.5-7.8%, compared with placebo (3.6%), venlafaxine XR (14.2%) or duloxetine (8.8%). Common TEAEs (incidence ⩾5% and >2 × placebo) with vortioxetine (5-20mg/day) were nausea (20.9-31.2%) and vomiting (2.9-6.5%). For vortioxetine (5-20mg/day), the incidence of TEAEs associated with insomnia was 2.0-5.1% versus 4.0% for placebo, and with sexual dysfunction 1.6-1.8% versus 1.0% for placebo. Discontinuation symptoms as assessed by the mean Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms total score after abrupt discontinuation were comparable to placebo in the first and second week. Vortioxetine had no effect relative to placebo on clinical laboratory parameters, body weight, heart rate or blood pressure. Vortioxetine showed no clinically relevant effect on ECG parameters, including the QTcF interval. In long-term treatment, no new types of TEAEs were seen; the mean weight gain was 0.7-0.8kg. Thus, vortioxetine (5-20mg/day) appears safe and generally well tolerated in the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Inclusion/exclusion criteria in placebo-controlled studies of vortioxetine: Comparison to other antidepressants and implications for product labeling

BACKGROUND

We recently conducted a comprehensive review of the psychiatric inclusion/exclusion criteria used in 170 placebo-controlled antidepressant efficacy trials (AETs) published during the past 20 years and found that the criteria of more recent studies were significantly more restrictive than prior studies. Vortioxetine is the most recently approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). We compared the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the vortioxetine studies to the criteria used in other AETs, and discuss the broader issue of the generalizability of AETs and the implications this might have for the labeling of antidepressants receiving FDA approval.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature review of placebo-controlled AETs published from January, 1995 through December, 2014. We identified 170 AETs published during this 20 year period and compared the inclusion/exclusion criteria used in the 12 studies of vortioxetine to those used in the nonvortioxetine studies. A second analysis compared vortioxetine to the 3 antidepressants most recently approved prior to vortioxetine (desvenlafaxine, levomilnacipran extended release, vilazodone).

RESULTS

Compared to the nonvortioxetine AETs, the vortioxetine studies significantly more often excluded patients with any comorbid Axis I disorder (p<.001) and more often required the current depressive episode to be longer than the DSM minimum symptom duration requirement of 2 weeks (p<.01). The cutoff on the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale required for inclusion in the vortioxetine studies was higher than the cutoff used in the other AETs (p<.01).

LIMITATIONS

A limitation of the present analysis is that it was based on published placebo-controlled studies of antidepressants.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion/exclusion criteria in the studies of vortioxetine were more restrictive than the criteria used in other AETs. Inconsistent with FDA guidelines on the labeling of medications, the label of vortioxetine does not include a description of the limits to the group of patients with MDD for whom the medication has been shown to be effective.

Effect of Vortioxetine vs. Escitalopram on Sexual Functioning in Adults with Well-Treated Major Depressive Disorder Experiencing SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Sexual dysfunction is common with serotonergic antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and does not resolve in most patients. Vortioxetine, an antidepressant with a multimodal mechanism of action, has shown low rates of sexual dysfunction in previous major depressive disorder (MDD) trials.

AIM

This study compared the effects of vortioxetine and escitalopram on sexual functioning in adults with well-treated MDD experiencing treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD).

METHODS

Participants treated with, and responding to, citalopram, paroxetine, or sertraline were randomized to switch to either vortioxetine (10/20 mg; n = 225) or escitalopram (10/20 mg; n = 222) for 8 weeks. Sexual function was assessed using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short Form (CSFQ-14), and antidepressant efficacy was assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale, and Profile of Mood States brief form (POMS-brief). Safety and tolerability were also assessed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the CSFQ-14 total score after 8 weeks of treatment. The MADRS, CGI, and POMS-brief were used to assess antidepressant efficacy. Safety was assessed via adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms, laboratory values, weight, and physical examination findings.

RESULTS

Vortioxetine showed significantly greater improvements in CSFQ-14 total score (8.8 ± 0.64, mean ± standard error) vs. escitalopram (6.6 ± 0.64; P = 0.013). Benefits vs. escitalopram were significant on four of five dimensions and all three phases of sexual functioning assessed by the CSFQ-14 (P < 0.05). Antidepressant efficacy continued in both groups, with similar, but slight, improvements in MADRS and CGI scores. Vortioxetine and escitalopram had similar clinical efficacy profiles in this study, with safety profiles similar to previous trials. Nausea (n = 9, 4.0%) was the most common treatment-emergent adverse event leading to discontinuation of vortioxetine.

CONCLUSION

Switching antidepressant therapy to vortioxetine may be beneficial for patients experiencing sexual dysfunction during antidepressant therapy with SSRIs.

Profile of vortioxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder: an overview of the primary and secondary literature

This article reviews the pharmacological profile and available efficacy and tolerability/safety data for vortioxetine, one of the most recent antidepressant drugs to be approved in the USA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. The efficacy of vortioxetine for treating MDD in adults is supported by eight positive short-term (6- to 12-weeks) randomized, placebo-controlled trials, and one positive randomized, double-blind, 52-week relapse prevention trial. Based on pooled data from short-term randomized trials and from longer-term studies, vortioxetine appears to be well tolerated and to have a low incidence of adverse effects on sexual functioning. Vortioxetine also appears to be effective for treating symptoms of MDD in the elderly based on the results of one randomized trial for which recruitment was focused on this specific population. Nevertheless, effectiveness studies that directly compare the clinical effects of vortioxetine with other established antidepressant drugs are lacking, and there is no evidence as yet that vortioxetine is more clinically effective than other types of antidepressants. Some preliminary suggestions concerning the place of vortioxetine among the broad range of pharmacological treatments for adults with MDD are provided.

Vortioxetine : a review of efficacy, safety and tolerability with a focus on cognitive symptoms in major depressive disorder

INTRODUCTION

Vortioxetine is a pharmacodynamically novel antidepressant that exerts effects on various neurotransmitters including serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, glutamate, histamine and acetylcholine. Its efficacy in the symptomatic management of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been established in several short- and long-term trials. Vortioxetine has also demonstrated independent pro-cognitive effects in adults with MDD.

AREAS COVERED

This report provides a concise review of the pharmacology, efficacy and safety of vortioxetine as they pertain to cognition.

EXPERT OPINION

The significant impact of cognitive dysfunction in MDD has achieved increased consideration among researchers over the past decade. Vortioxetine is the first antidepressant agent to demonstrate meaningful clinical efficacy in the improvement of cognition in adults with MDD, independent of improvement in affective symptomatology. These results provide the impetus for further study into the potential pro-cognitive effects of vortioxetine in other conditions wherein cognitive dysfunction is prominent.

Vortioxetine: a meta-analysis of 12 short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials for the treatment of major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Vortioxetine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2013 for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Thus far, a number of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of vortioxetine have been conducted in patients with MDD. We performed a meta-analysis to increase the statistical power of these studies and enhance our current understanding of the role of vortioxetine in the treatment of MDD.

METHODS

We performed an extensive search of databases and the clinical trial registry. The mean change in total scores on the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Montgomery- Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) from the baseline were the primary outcome measures. The secondary efficacy measures were the response and remission rates, as defined by a 50% or greater reduction in HAM-D/MADRS total scores and as a score of 10 or less in the MADRS and 7 or less in the HAM-D total scores at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

We included 7 published and 5 unpublished short-term (6-12 wk) RCTs in our meta-analysis. Vortioxetine was significantly more effective than placebo, with an effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD]) of -0.217 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.313 to -0.122) and with odds ratios (ORs) for response and remission of 1.652 (95% CI 1.321 to 2.067) and 1.399 (95% CI 1.104 to 1.773), respectively. Those treated with vortioxetine did not differ significantly from those treated with selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors/agomelatine with regard to the SMD of the primary outcome measure (0.081, -0.062 to 0.223) or for response (OR 0.815, 95% CI 0.585 to 1.135) and remission (OR 0.843, 95% CI 0.575 to 1.238) rates. Discontinuation owing to lack of efficacy (OR 0.541, 95% CI 0.308 to 0.950) was significantly less common among those treated with vortioxetine than among those who received placebo, whereas discontinuation owing to adverse events (AEs; OR 1.530, 95% CI 1.144 to 2.047) was significantly more common among those treated with vortioxetine than among those receiving placebo. There was no significant difference in discontinuation rates between vortioxetine and comparators owing to inefficacy (OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.585 to 1.650), whereas discontinuation owing to AEs was significantly less common in the vortioxetine than in the comparator group (OR 0.728, 95% CI 0.554 to 0.957).

LIMITATIONS

Studies examining the role of vortioxetine in the treatment of MDD are limited.

CONCLUSION

Although our results suggest that vortioxetine may be an effective treatment option for MDD, they should be interpreted and translated into clinical practice with caution, as the meta-analysis was based on a limited number of heterogeneous RCTs.

Vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant for generalized anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Vortioxetine has a beneficial pharmacological profile for reducing anxiety and depression. Recently, a number of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of vortioxetine have been conducted in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); however, the results from GAD RCTs are inconsistent. With an extensive search of databases and clinical trial registries, four published short-term RCTs were identified and included in the present meta-analysis. The mean change in total scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) from baseline was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints included the response and remission rates, as defined by a ≥50% reduction in HAMA total scores and a ≤7 change in the HAMA total score at the end of treatment. In addition, the mean change in the HAMA total score from baseline in the subgroup with a HAMA total score ≥25 at baseline was included. Vortioxetine was significantly more effective than was placebo, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.118 (95% CIs, -0.203 to -0.033, P = 0.007). In particular, those with severe GAD (HAMA total score ≥25 at baseline) had a significantly greater benefit from vortioxetine than those without (SMD = -0.338, 95% CIs = -0.552 to -0.124, p = 0.002). The odds ratios (ORs) for vortioxetine for response and remission were 1.221 (95% CIs, 1.027 to 1.452, P = 0.024) and 1.052 (95% CIs, 0.853 to 1.296, P = 0.637), respectively. Discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs) (OR = 1.560, 1.006 to 2.419, p = 0.047) was marginally higher in vortioxetine than placebo treatment, whereas discontinuation due to any reason (OR = 0.971, 0.794 to 1.187, p = 0.771) and inefficacy (OR = 0.687, 0.380 to 1.243, p = 0.215) were not significantly different among treatment groups. Although our results suggest that vortioxetine may have a potential as an another treatment option for GAD (especially for severe GAD), they should be interpreted and translated into clinical practice with caution, as the meta-analysis was based on a limited number of RCTs.

Levomilnacipran and vortioxetine: Review of new pharmacotherapies for major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder with an estimated lifetime prevalence rate in the range of 13% to 16% in the United States population. Patients with MDD often have symptoms such as depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and thoughts of suicide. Although many pharmacotherapy treatment options are available for MDD, antidepressants can often cause adverse effects that could affect adherence to the medication. Additionally, it is estimated that MDD is unremitting in 15% of patients and 35% can have recurrent episodes. Given the high rate of recurrence and the adverse effects associated with existing medications, new treatment options for depression are needed. Both levomilnacipran and vortioxetine are new antidepressants that were approved by the food and drug administration in 2013 for the treatment of MDD in adults. Levomilnacipran is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that was effective in several short term studies and sustained efficacy and tolerability was demonstrated in a 48-wk extension study. Vortioxetine is a multi-modal antidepressant and it is thought to work via inhibition of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter, 5-HT_3A, 5-HT₇ and 5-HT_1D antagonist, a 5-HT_1B partial agonist, and a 5-HT_1A agonist. Vortioxetine was effective in the treatment of MDD in both short-term trials as well as in the prevention of relapse in a 24-36 wk trial. Sustained efficacy and tolerability was demonstrated in several long-term open-label trials. Further studies comparing levomilnacipran and vortioxetine to other currently available antidepressants are needed to establish its place in therapy.

Vortioxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder

ABSTRACT 

Vortioxetine is a novel psychotropic drug, with evidence of efficacy in acute treatment of major depressive episodes and in prevention of relapse in major depressive disorder. It has been described as having a ‘multimodal’ serotonergic mechanism of action, involving reuptake inhibition and a range of effects on presynaptic and postsynaptic receptors. It also has important effects on other neurotransmitters thought to be important in the neurobiology of depression and response to antidepressant treatment. It is efficacious in reducing anxiety symptom severity in depressed patients. The tolerability profile of vortioxetine appears predictable from its pharmacological properties. It may have beneficial effects in improving ‘cognition’ in depression, and a lower incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction, but these potential benefits require further investigation.

The safety and efficacy of vortioxetine for acute treatment of major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vortioxetine is the first mixed serotonin agonist and antagonist antidepressant approved in the US. We sought to evaluate all published and unpublished data available to determine the efficacy and harms of vortioxetine in adults with major depressive disorder.

METHODS

We used a predefined search strategy of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Drugs@FDA to identify studies evaluating vortioxetine in the acute treatment of major depressive disorder. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided results on relevant clinical efficacy and safety outcomes were included. Study quality was assessed and results were pooled using mixed effect meta-analyses where applicable.

RESULTS

We identified 11 RCTs with 6,145 participants meeting inclusion criteria (eight were published and three were unpublished). The trials did not exceed 8 weeks in duration. The response rate with vortioxetine was significantly higher for 1-mg (relative risk (RR) = 1.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36 to 2.69), 5-mg (RR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.61), 10-mg (RR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.67), and 20-mg doses (RR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.08) compared to placebo. Remission rates were significantly higher for the 10-mg group (RR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.77) and the 20-mg group (RR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.37) compared to placebo. Meta-regression of dose on the log odds ratio of response was not statistically significant (β = 0.01; P = 0.46). Vortioxetine response rates were lower than active serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) comparators for the 5-mg (RR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98), 15-mg (RR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.90), and 20-mg (RR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.94) doses. The most common adverse events were nausea and vomiting which increased in frequency with higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine was significantly more effective than placebo for acute treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Although treatment effect estimates varied substantially between studies, a dose effect was not observed. Vortioxetine does not appear to be more effective, and is potentially less effective, than an SNRI.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42013006198 .

Depression and cerebrovascular disease: could vortioxetine represent a valid treatment option?

INTRODUCTION

Depression and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis often occur in comorbidity showing neuropsychological impairment and poor response to antidepressant treatment. Objective is to evaluate if new antidepressant vortioxetine may be a potential treatment option. Mechanism of Action : Vortioxetine has 5-HT3, 5-HT7 and 5-HT1D antagonists, 5-HT1B partial agonist and a 5-HT1A agonist and serotonin transporter inhibitor property. Efficacy and safety in Major Depressive Disorders and in cognitive impairment : The majority of trials (one of them in older people) showed efficacy for vortioxetine against placebo and no differences against other active treatments. The Adverse Effects ranged from 15.8% more to 10.8% less than placebo. In the elderly, only nausea was found higher than placebo. Effects on arterial blood pressure and cardiac parameters including the ECG-QT segment were similar to placebo. Elderly depressive patients on vortioxetine showed improvement versus placebo and other active comparators in Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Digit Symbol Substitution Test scores. The inclusion criteria admitted cases with middle cerebrovascular disease. Conclusion : The mechanism of action, the efficacy on depression and safety profile and early data on cognitive impairment make Vortioxetine a strong candidate for use in depression associated with cerebrovascular disease. This information must be supported by future randomized controlled trials.

A randomized, double-blind, duloxetine-referenced study comparing efficacy and tolerability of 2 fixed doses of vortioxetine in the acute treatment of adults with MDD

RATIONALE

Vortioxetine has reduced depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) in multiple clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vortioxetine 15 and 20 mg vs placebo in adults with MDD.

METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to vortioxetine 15 mg, vortioxetine 20 mg, duloxetine 60 mg (active reference), or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score at week 8 (MMRM). Safety/tolerability assessments included physical examinations, vital signs, laboratory evaluations, electrocardiograms, adverse events (AEs), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, and Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms checklist.

RESULTS

Six hundred and fourteen patients were randomized. Mean changes in MADRS scores were -12.83 (±0.834), -14.30 (±0.890), -15.57 (±0.880), and -16.90 (±0.884) for placebo, vortioxetine 15 mg (P = .224), vortioxetine 20 mg (P = .023), and duloxetine 60 mg (P < .001) (P vs placebo), respectively. AEs reported by ≥5 % of vortioxetine patients included nausea, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, insomnia, fatigue, and upper respiratory infection. Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction, suicidal ideation or behavior, and discontinuation symptoms were not significantly different between vortioxetine and placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine 20 mg significantly reduced MADRS total scores after 8 weeks of treatment. Both vortioxetine doses were well tolerated.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01153009; www.clinicaltrials.gov/ .

The efficacy and safety of 5 mg/d Vortioxetine compared to placebo for major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of 5 mg/day vortioxetine compared to placebo for adult major depressive disorder.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of the double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trials involving 5 mg/day vortioxetine in adult patients with major depressive disorder published on PubMed, EBSCO, and PsycINFO, and the Clinical Trials databases were searched from 2000 through October 2013. The abstracts for the Annual Meetings of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and previous reviews were searched to identify additional studies. Results were expressed with odds ratios (ORs) with their 95 % confidence interval (CI). The effect size (ES) for the four studies was derived by computing the standardized mean difference (SMD). The data were pooled with a random effects model.

RESULTS

Five RCTs met the selection criteria. Results of the meta-analysis showed the following: (1) The treatment response of 5 mg/day vortioxetine group was greater than placebo group (OR=1.84, 95 % CI=1.16-2.93, Z=2.59, P=0.010), and there was a significant antidepressant effect of vortioxetine (ES=2.98, P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference in remission (OR=1.47, 95 % CI=0.95-2.30, Z=1.71, P=0.090). (2) The common adverse effects included nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and diarrhea. There was a significant difference for nausea between the two groups (OR=3.01, 95 % CI=2.22-4.09, Z=7.08, P=0.00001), but no significant differences were observed for the other four adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of major depressive disorder, our results show that a dose of 5 mg/day vortioxetine was more effective, but more easily induced nausea, compared to placebo.

Relative efficacy and tolerability of vortioxetine versus selected antidepressants by indirect comparisons of similar clinical studies

INTRODUCTION

Vortioxetine is an antidepressant with multimodal activity which has shown efficacy in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients in six of ten short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (completed end 2012).

METHODS

We performed meta-regression analyses to indirectly compare vortioxetine to seven marketed antidepressants with different mechanisms of action. To ensure study comparability, only experimental drug and placebo arms from placebo-controlled registration studies were included in primary analyses. The main outcomes were efficacy (standardized mean difference in change from baseline to 2 months on primary endpoint [MADRS/HAM-D]), and tolerability (withdrawal rate due to adverse events).

RESULTS

For efficacy, estimates of treatment effect (negative estimates favor vortioxetine) for vortioxetine versus comparators were: agomelatine, -0.16 (p = 0.11); desvenlafaxine, 0.03 (p = 0.80); duloxetine, 0.09 (p = 0.42); escitalopram, -0.05 (p = 0.70); sertraline, -0.04 (p = 0.83); venlafaxine IR/XR, 0.12 (p = 0.33); and vilazodone, -0.25 (p = 0.11). For tolerability, all but one combination was numerically in favor of vortioxetine (odds ratio < 1), although not all differences were statistically significant: agomelatine, 1.77 (p = 0.03); desvenlafaxine, 0.58 (p = 0.04); duloxetine, 0.75 (p = 0.26); escitalopram, 0.67 (p = 0.28); sertraline, 0.30 (p = 0.01); venlafaxine, 0.47 (p = 0.01); and vilazodone, 0.64 (p = 0.18). Sensitivity analyses did not significantly alter antidepressant effect estimates or relative ranking.

CONCLUSION

These meta-regression data show that vortioxetine offers a comparable or favorable combination of efficacy (measured by MADRS/HAM-D) and tolerability (measured by withdrawal rate due to adverse events) versus other antidepressants in registration studies in MDD. Alternative methods like mixed-treatment comparison and inclusion of all randomized studies and active reference arms may provide complementary information to this analysis (more evidence but also more heterogeneity). Key messages: Indirect comparisons based on registration studies allow a useful comparison between a recently approved antidepressant and an approved drug. Vortioxetine offers a comparable or favorable combination of efficacy (measured by MADRS/HAM-D assessments) and tolerability (measured by withdrawal rate due to adverse events) versus other antidepressants in registration studies in MDD.

Emerging antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder

Depression is a common disorder with an annual risk of a depressive episode in the United States of 6.6%. Only 30-40% of patients remit with antidepressant monotherapy, leaving 60-70% of patients who do not optimally respond to therapy. Unremitted depressive patients are at increased risk for suicide. Considering the prevalence of treatment resistant depression and its consequences, treatment optimization is imperative. This review summarizes the latest treatment modalities for major depressive disorder including pharmacotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and psychotherapy. Through advancements in research to better understand the pathophysiology of depression, advances in treatment will be realized.

The efficacy of vortioxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder

Vortioxetine (Lu AA21004; Brintellix(®)) has received approval from various international regulatory agencies for the treatment of major depression. The drug molecule has a multimodal mechanism of action that projects it as a unique molecule for the treatment of major depression. These mechanisms include property to inhibit serotonin reuptake via inhibiting serotonin transporters and acting on multiple serotonin receptor subtypes. Vortioxetine is an agonist of 5-HT1A, a partial agonist of 5-HT1B and an antagonist of 5-HT1D, 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 serotoninergic receptors. The molecule has been found to be effective and well-tolerable to be administered in humans for the treatment of major depression. Precautions should be exercised when vortioxetine is prescribed with cytochrome P450 inducers and inhibitors. This review attempts to compile the efficacy profile of vortioxetine in different clinical trials and the results are compared with other standard antidepressants.

Vortioxetine in the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Vortioxetine is a novel multimodal compound that has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It is a selective serotonin (5-HT) 3A and 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, 5-HT1B receptor partial agonist, 5-HT1A receptor agonist and inhibitor of serotonin transporters. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vortioxetine in adults with MDD.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and HINARI. The meta-analysis was conducted by including randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy and safety of vortioxetine in adult patients with MDD. Using the random effects model, which assumes individual studies are estimating different treatment effects, the efficacy and safety of vortioxetine was determined by weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs). The findings were considered as statistically significant when the 95% CI of WMDs and ORs did not include 0 and 1, respectively. Heterogeneity testing, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

During the initial literature search about 151 publications were identified. Based on the predetermined inclusion criteria, 7 randomized controlled trials were included. The pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score from baseline among patients who were on vortioxetine (WMD = -3.92; 95% CI, -5.258 to -2.581). Furthermore, a statistically significant number of patients with MDD who were on vortioxetine have achieved a greater than or equal to 50% reduction in depression symptoms from baseline. However, a significant number of patients who were on vortioxetine therapy reported more adverse events than patients who were on placebo (overall OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy with vortioxetine was significantly associated with reduction in depression symptoms from baseline compared to placebo. Nevertheless, a significant number of patients who were on vortioxetine therapy have reported more adverse events.

A review of the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of the antidepressants vilazodone, levomilnacipran and vortioxetine

INTRODUCTION

As a leading cause of disability, major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by reduced quality of life and altered functioning. Current pharmaceutical treatment options are limited in their success by modest effects and adverse events that often lead to discontinuation. One current trend in antidepressant development is to combine inhibition of the serotonin transporter with other pharmacological targets, including the norepinephrine transporter or different serotonin receptors.

AREAS COVERED

In a span of < 3 years, the FDA approved three new antidepressants for the treatment of MDD: vilazodone in January 2011, levomilnacipran in July 2013 and vortioxetine in September 2013. This article reviews the efficacy, safety and tolerability of these three drugs mainly from the Phase III trial data.

EXPERT OPINION

All three drugs are effective in the treatment of MDD, but data comparing them to other antidepressants is currently lacking. Vilazodone was proposed to produce a more rapid onset and have fewer sexual side effects but neither effect has been conclusively shown. Levomilnacipran appears to be effective in improving functional impairment, including both social and work functioning. Vortioxetine is currently the only drug of the three with proven efficacy in elderly patients. It also appears to have cognitive enhancing properties which are largely independent of improved depressive symptoms. Overall, these drugs represent a promising step forward in antidepressant drug development.

A randomised, double-blind study in adults with major depressive disorder with an inadequate response to a single course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor treatment switched to vortioxetine or agomelatine

OBJECTIVE

This randomised, double-blind, 12-week study compared efficacy and tolerability of flexible-dose treatment with vortioxetine(10-20 mg/day) versus agomelatine (25-50 mg/day) in major depressive disorder patients with inadequate response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)/serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) monotherapy.

METHODS

Patients were switched directly from SSRI/SNRI to vortioxetine or agomelatine. Primary endpoint was change from baseline to week 8 in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score analysed by mixed model for repeated measurements, using a noninferiority test followed by a superiority test. Secondary endpoints included response and remission rates, anxiety symptoms(Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale), Clinical Global Impression, overall functioning (Sheehan Disability Scale), health-related quality of life(EuroQol 5 Dimensions), productivity (work limitation questionnaire) and family functioning (Depression and Family Functioning Scale).

RESULTS

Primary endpoint noninferiority was established and vortioxetine (n = 252) was superior to agomelatine (n = 241) by 2.2 MADRS points (p<0.01). Vortioxetine was also significantly superior in response and remission rates at weeks 8 and 12; MADRS, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression, Sheehan Disability Scale and EuroQol 5 Dimensions scores at week 4 onwards; work limitation questionnaire at week 8 and Depression and Family Functioning Scale at weeks 8 and 12. Fewer patients withdrew because of adverse events with vortioxetine (5.9% vs 9.5%). Adverse events (incidence ≥5%) were nausea, headache, dizziness and somnolence.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine was noninferior and significantly superior to agomelatine in major depressive disorder patients with previous inadequate response to a single course of SSRI/SNRI monotherapy. Vortioxetine was safe and well tolerated.

Vortioxetine: a review of its use in major depressive disorder

Vortioxetine (Brintellix(®)) is a serotonin (5-HT) transporter inhibitor that also acts on several 5-HT receptors, such as the 5-HT3 and 5-HT1A receptors. It is approved in the US and the EU for the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD); this article reviews the pharmacological properties of oral vortioxetine and its clinical efficacy and tolerability in these patients. Vortioxetine is generally efficacious in patients with MDD in acute treatment trials (including elderly patients), in a relapse-prevention trial, and in open-label extension trials. It is associated with improved cognitive function in patients with MDD; this does not occur solely via improvement in depressive symptom severity. It is well tolerated, but is associated with significantly increased sexual dysfunction at the highest dosage; however, vortioxetine was shown to improve previous-treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction in patients with well-treated MDD to a greater degree than escitalopram. Vortioxetine extends the available treatment options for patients with MDD, and further investigation into its comparative efficacy versus other antidepressants will allow for more accurate placement among these treatment options.

Pharmacology and clinical potential of vortioxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder

VORTIOXETINE IS A NEW MULTIMODAL ACTION ANTIDEPRESSANT WITH TWO TYPES OF ACTION: serotonin transporter (SERT) blockade and a strong affinity for several serotoninergic receptors. It is an antagonist of the 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptors, a partial agonist of 5-HT1B, and an agonist of 5-HT1A. Its combined action on SERT and four subtypes of serotoninergic receptors increases the extracellular concentration of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. Twelve clinical trials have been carried out, nine of which had positive results versus placebo. When active comparators were included in the study design, no significant differences were found except in one study in which the efficacy of vortioxetine was superior to the comparator (agomelatine) in depression resistant to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) treatment. Tolerability studies indicate that the drug does not cause any important problems on blood tests, vital signs, or on electrocardiography. The lack of weight gain and induction of metabolic syndrome and the lack of significant changes in the QTc are especially important. The incidence rate of sexual dysfunction is low and similar to placebo in various trials. Similarly, cognitive function remains intact with vortioxetine.

Pharmacokinetic drug interactions involving vortioxetine (Lu AA21004), a multimodal antidepressant

Background and Objective

The identification and quantification of potential drug–drug interactions is important for avoiding or minimizing the interaction-induced adverse events associated with specific drug combinations. Clinical studies in healthy subjects were performed to evaluate potential pharmacokinetic interactions between vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) and co-administered agents, including fluconazole (cytochrome P450 [CYP] 2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A inhibitor), ketoconazole (CYP3A and P-glycoprotein inhibitor), rifampicin (CYP inducer), bupropion (CYP2D6 inhibitor and CYP2B6 substrate), ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (CYP3A substrates) and omeprazole (CYP2C19 substrate and inhibitor).

Methods

The ratio of central values of the test treatment to the reference treatment for relevant parameters (e.g., area under the plasma concentration–time curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [C_max]) was used to assess pharmacokinetic interactions.

Results

Co-administration of vortioxetine had no effect on the AUC or C_max of ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel or 5′-hydroxyomeprazole, or the AUC of bupropion; the 90 % confidence intervals for these ratios of central values were within 80–125 %. Steady-state AUC and C_max of vortioxetine increased when co-administered with bupropion (128 and 114 %, respectively), fluconazole (46 and 15 %, respectively) and ketoconazole (30 and 26 %, respectively), and decreased by 72 and 51 %, respectively, when vortioxetine was co-administered with rifampicin. Concomitant therapy was generally well tolerated; most adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity.

Conclusion

Dosage adjustment may be required when vortioxetine is co-administered with bupropion or rifampicin.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40261-013-0117-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Efficacy and safety of vortioxetine (Lu AA21004), 15 and 20 mg/day: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, duloxetine-referenced study in the acute treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder

This study assessed the efficacy, tolerability and safety of vortioxetine versus placebo in adults with recurrent major depressive disorder. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study included 608 patients [Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score ≥ 26 and Clinical Global Impression - Severity score ≥ 4]. Patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1 : 1 : 1) to vortioxetine 15 mg/day, vortioxetine 20 mg/day, duloxetine 60 mg/day or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in MADRS total score at week 8 (mixed model for repeated measurements). Key secondary endpoints were: MADRS responders; Clinical Global Impression - Improvement scale score; MADRS total score in patients with baseline Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale ≥ 20; remission (MADRS ≤ 10); and Sheehan Disability Scale total score at week 8. On the primary efficacy endpoint, both vortioxetine doses were statistically significantly superior to placebo, with a mean difference to placebo (n = 158) of -5.5 (vortioxetine 15 mg, P < 0.0001, n = 149) and -7.1 MADRS points (vortioxetine 20 mg, P < 0.0001, n = 151). Duloxetine (n = 146) separated from placebo, thus validating the study. In all key secondary analyses, both vortioxetine doses were statistically significantly superior to placebo. Vortioxetine treatment was well tolerated; common adverse events (incidence ≥ 5%) were nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth and dizziness. No clinically relevant changes were seen in clinical safety laboratory values, weight, ECG or vital signs parameters. Vortioxetine was efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of vortioxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder

INTRODUCTION

Major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the most common disorders in medical practice and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, is frequently comorbid with anxiety disorders. Vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) is a new antidepressant that combines a number of neurotransmitter reuptake and receptor effects that have been thought to predict efficacy as a treatment for depressive and anxiety disorders.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the pharmacology and neurobiology of vortioxetine. Studies of its efficacy and tolerability in major depression and generalized anxiety disorder are critically reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the fact that industry-sponsored studies are more likely than other clinical trials to support efficacy of the experimental drug, results have been mixed. Some studies supported that vortioxetine is superior to placebo in the treatment of MDD and some do not. Two studies supported the efficacy of vortioxetine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and two do not. The incidence of sexual dysfunction has varied considerably in different studies, but cardiac effects and psychomotor impairment seem to be minimal. Advantages of vortioxetine over existing antidepressants are not yet clear.

Serotonergic modulation of glutamate neurotransmission as a strategy for treating depression and cognitive dysfunction

Monoamine-based treatments for depression have evolved greatly over the past several years, but shortcomings such as suboptimal efficacy, treatment lag, and residual cognitive dysfunction are still significant. Preclinical and clinical studies using compounds directly targeting glutamatergic neurotransmission present new opportunities for antidepressant treatment, with ketamine having a surprisingly rapid and sustained antidepressant effect that is presumably mediated through glutamate-dependent mechanisms. While direct modulation of glutamate transmission for antidepressant and cognition-enhancing actions may be hampered by nonspecific effects, indirect modulation through the serotonin (5-HT) system may be a viable alternative approach. Based on localization and function, 5-HT can modulate glutamate neurotransmission at least through the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT3, and 5-HT7 receptors, which presents a rational pharmacological opportunity for modulating glutamatergic transmission without the direct use of glutamatergic compounds. Combining one or more of these glutamate-modulating 5-HT targets with 5-HT transporter inhibition may offer new therapeutic opportunities. The multimodal compounds vortioxetine and vilazodone are examples of this approach with diverse mechanisms, and their different clinical effects will provide valuable insights into serotonergic modulation of glutamate transmission for the potential treatment of depression and associated cognitive dysfunction.

Vortioxetine for the treatment of depression

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical literature and potential clinical role of vortioxetine (Brintellix) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

DATA SOURCES

A MEDLINE search (1966-February 2014) was conducted using the search terms vortioxetine, Lu AA21004, and depression. Bibliographies of all articles retrieved were also reviewed. All references included were published between 1999 and 2014.

STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION

All studies that included humans and were published in English, with data describing vortioxetine for the treatment of MDD, were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Vortioxetine is a novel multimodal antidepressant agent, which inhibits the 5-HT transporter protein, acts as a 5-HT3 antagonist, 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, and a partial agonist of the 5-HT1B receptor. It has been studied in 10 short-term (6-8 weeks), 1 relapse-prevention, and 3 long-term extension trials. Vortioxetine demonstrated efficacy in reducing Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale or Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores in 6 of the short-term trials. The proportion of individuals who responded to treatment and achieved remission increased over time in all 3 long-term trials. The most common adverse effects, consistently reported by >10% of individuals in the clinical trials include nausea and headache.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine is an effective agent for the treatment of MDD, but it does not have any clear advantages over other available treatment options.

New generation multi-modal antidepressants: focus on vortioxetine for major depressive disorder

Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant with effects on multiple 5-HT receptors and on the serotonin transporter. This paper reviews preclinical and clinical evidence regarding its mechanism of action, its tolerability, and its efficacy in treating major depression. Clinical studies indicate that vortioxetine is effective in the treatment of major depression, though there is no suggestion of superiority over active comparators. There may be a clinically meaningful advantage in terms of tolerability.

Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) in major depressive disorder: results of an open-label, flexible-dose, 52-week extension study

Patients with major depressive disorder often experience relapse after responding to treatment; therefore, maintenance therapy with antidepressants is recommended for maintaining response or remission. This multicenter, open-label, flexible-dose, 52-week extension study evaluated the long-term safety, tolerability, and maintenance of efficacy in study participants who had completed one of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week dose-ranging vortioxetine trials in study participants with major depressive disorder. At the open-label baseline, all study participants were switched to vortioxetine 5 mg/day for the first week, with subsequent dose adjustments from 2.5 to 10 mg/day on the basis of response and tolerability. Treatment with vortioxetine for 52 weeks was well tolerated, with no new safety signals identified. Among the 834 evaluable study participants, treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 70.6%, with the most common in the combined (all doses) population of nausea (15.2%), headache (12.4%), nasopharyngitis (9.8%), diarrhea (7.2%), and dizziness (6.8%). The rate of adverse events related to sexual dysfunction was low and weight gain was minimal. Laboratory values, vital signs, ECGs, physical examinations, and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale results showed no trends of clinical concern. The change in the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms was maintained throughout the study as reflected by a 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale total score of 8.2 at week 52 (from 17.6 at open-label baseline) in the observed case data set.

Vortioxetine for major depressive disorder: a systematic review of the efficacy and safety profile for this newly approved antidepressant - what is the number needed to treat, number needed to harm and likelihood to be helped or harmed?

OBJECTIVE

To describe the efficacy and safety of vortioxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

DATA SOURCES

The pivotal registration trials were accessed by querying http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/, http://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov for the search terms 'vortioxetine' and 'Lu AA21004', and by obtaining posters presented at congresses. Product labelling provided additional information.

STUDY SELECTION

All available clinical reports of studies were identified.

DATA EXTRACTION

Descriptions of the principal results and calculation of number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) for relevant dichotomous outcomes were extracted from the available study reports and other sources of information.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Vortioxetine is a multi-modal antidepressant that functions as a human 5-HT3A and 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, 5-HT1B receptor partial agonist, 5-HT1A receptor agonist, and inhibitor of the serotonin transporter. The recommended dose range is 5-20 mg/day. Approval for the treatment of MDD was based on a clinical development programme that included six positive 6-8 week studies, including one study in elderly people, and one positive maintenance study in adults. In the informative short-term studies in non-elderly patients, NNT for response with vortioxetine vs. placebo was 7 (95% CI 6-9), and NNT for remission vs. placebo was 11 (95% CI 8-17). NNH for discontinuation because of an adverse event (AE) was 36 (95% CI 24-70). The most commonly encountered AEs (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo) as identified in product labelling were nausea, constipation and vomiting, with NNH values vs. placebo of 6 (95% CI 6-7), 64 (95% CI 37-240), and 28 (95% CI 23-38), respectively. Changes in weight were not clinically relevant.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine represents another option for the treatment of MDD. Vortioxetine appears to have a favourable weight-gain profile. Additional information regarding the time course of response/remission and for the commonly occurring AE of nausea would be helpful to better characterise this agent. Pending clinical trials include those examining cognitive dysfunction that can accompany MDD.