Effect of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics vs Usual Care on Time to First Hospitalization in Early-Phase Schizophrenia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Latent variable analysis of adherence to antipsychotics among south carolina medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are chronic mental illnesses that may lead to positive symptoms, negative symptoms, or cognitive symptoms. This study examined latent classes within medication adherence profiles for long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) and oral antipsychotics (OAPs). Latent profile analysis (LPA) and multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore the association between patient characteristics and latent class membership. Four latent classes were identified using LPA with observed adherence measures. The classes were labeled as "best adherent", "intermittent adherent", "early drop-off", and "worst adherent", with their respective estimated prevalences of 58 %, 17 %, 9 %, and 16 %. Multinomial logistic regression showed that patients on LAIs were more likely to belong to the "best adherent" group than to the non-adherent groups ("intermittent adherent", "early drop-off", and "worst adherent") when compared to those on OAPs. These findings may contribute to the development of strategies for medication prescription and disease management for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Early use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in bipolar disorder type I: An expert consensus

INTRODUCTION

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are not routinely offered to patients living with bipolar disorder type I (BP-I), despite widespread evidence that supports their benefits over oral antipsychotics, particularly in early disease.

METHODS

A round-table meeting of psychiatrists convened to discuss barriers and opportunities and provide consensus recommendations around the early use of LAIs for BP-I.

RESULTS

LAIs are rarely prescribed to treat BP-I unless a patient has severe symptoms, sub-optimal adherence to oral antipsychotics, or has experienced multiple relapses. Beyond country-specific accessibility issues (e.g., healthcare infrastructure and availability/approval status), primary barriers to the effective use of LAIs were identified as attitudinal and knowledge/experience-based. Direct discussions between healthcare providers and patients about treatment preferences may not occur due to a preconceived notion that patients prefer oral antipsychotics. Moreover, as LAIs have historically been limited to the treatment of schizophrenia and the most severe cases of BP-I, healthcare providers might be unaware of the benefits LAIs provide in the overall management of BP-I. Improved treatment adherence associated with LAIs compared to oral antipsychotics may support improved outcomes for patients (e.g., reduced relapse and hospitalization). Involvement of all stakeholders (healthcare providers, patients, and their supporters) participating in the patient journey is critical in early and shared decision-making processes. Clinical and database studies could potentially bridge knowledge gaps to facilitate acceptance of LAIs.

CONCLUSION

This review discusses the benefits of LAIs in the management of BP-I and identifies barriers to use, while providing expert consensus recommendations for potential solutions to support informed treatment decision-making.

Psychopathology trajectories and relapse in first episode schizophrenia with assured long-acting injectable adherence over 24 months

BACKGROUND

Relapse following a first episode of schizophrenia (FES) is common and often results in serious adverse psychosocial consequences. Treatment non-adherence is a key risk factor for relapse, but why relapse occurs despite antipsychotic treatment adherence remains unclear. This study examined the differences in FES psychopathology trajectories over 24-months with assured long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAIA) treatment, to control for treatment adherence between those who relapsed and those who did not and what moderates these group differences.

METHODOLOGY

We collected clinical and socio-demographic data from 107 participants with FES treated with LAIA medication over a 24-month period. Relapse was defined using the modified Csernansky criteria. Substance use was assessed through participant and family interviews and urine toxicology. Linear mixed model repeated measures models were constructed to (1) compare psychopathology trajectories over 24 months between relapse versus non-relapse groups (2) to examine factors moderating differential trajectories between the groups.

RESULTS

Positive symptom trajectories were significantly worse in the relapse compared to non-relapse group over 24 months (F(8, 649 = 3.29), p = 0.001). More severe childhood trauma (CT), in particular physical abuse (PA) (F(39, 298 = 1.78), p = 0.004), was associated with worse positive symptom trajectories over 24 months in those who experienced a relapse event.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the examination of a history of CT and, in particular childhood PA measures for relapse in individuals with FES, is important.

Comparative effectiveness of antipsychotic treatment strategies for relapse prevention in first-episode schizophrenia in Finland: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

The best pharmacological treatment practices for relapse prevention in patients with first-episode schizophrenia are unclear. We aimed to assess different treatment strategies used before and after the first relapse, and their associations with subsequent relapse risk.

METHODS

In this population-based cohort study, we enrolled individuals (aged ≤45 years) with first-episode schizophrenia who were hospitalised and subsequently relapsed between 1996 and 2014 from the nationwide Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Individuals who had not been taking antipsychotics within the year preceeding initial hospitalisation and who had a relapse within 5 years of discharge were included in the analyses. Treatment strategies were assessed during the 30 days before hospitalisation for the first relapse and 30 days after discharge and were categorised as either long-acting injectable, clozapine, non-clozapine oral antipsychotic monotherapy, non-clozapine oral antipsychotic polypharmacy, and antipsychotic non-use. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of the risk of second relapse based on treatment type were analysed with Cox regression models for 2 years after the first relapse, or until death or end of data linkage (Dec 31, 2017). People with lived experience of schizophrenia were not involved in the research and writing process.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 31, 1996 and Dec 31, 2017, 3000 individuals had their first psychosis relapse and were eligible for analysis. Mean age was 30·0 years (SD 7·6), 1069 (35·6%) of patients were women and 1931 (64·4%) men. No ethnicity data were available. 2148 (71·7%) had a second relapse within 2 years. Before first relapse, most individuals were either not using antipsychotics (n=1366 [45·5%]), or were using non-clozapine oral antipsychotic monotherapy (n=973 [32·4%]). Compared with continuing the same treatment strategy used before the first relapse, switching to clozapine was associated with the lowest risk of second relapse compared with continuing any non-clozapine oral antipsychotic monotherapy (aHR 0·66, 95% CI 0·49-0·89; relapse rate 73·2% with oral non-clozapine antipsychotic monotherapy continuation vs 57·1% with switch to clozapine). Switching to another non-clozapine oral antipsychotic monotherapy (0·99, 0·76-1·28) was approximately as unhelpful in preventing the next relapse as switching to antipsychotic non-use (1·07, 0·80-1·42).

INTERPRETATION

In patients with first-episode schizophrenia having their first psychosis relapse despite use of non-clozapine oral antipsychotics, continuation with the same antipsychotic modality or switch to another non-clozapine oral antipsychotic did not show evidence of being beneficial in relapse prevention, suggesting that clozapine should be started instead. This finding, together with existing knowledge of decreased risk of mortality associated with clozapine, challenges current treatment guidelines that recommend clozapine as a third-line treatment, resulting in treatment practices characterised by long delays to clozapine initiation.

FUNDING

Sigrid Jusélius Foundation.

Distribution and correlates of long-acting injectable antipsychotic use among community mental health center patients

Although long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are an important pharmaceutical option in the management of schizophrenia and related disorders, little is known about patient characteristics related to LAI use in real-world outpatient settings. We analyzed electronic medical records from 41,401 patients who received psychiatric services from one of 16 regional mental health centers operated by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health in 2022. We compared the use of first- and second-generation LAIs and oral antipsychotics by sociodemographic (age, gender, race/ethnicity, zip code, payment source) and clinical characteristics (psychiatric diagnoses, service use). We used logistic regression models to estimate associations between patient characteristics and the likelihood of using LAIs. In total, 7,029 (17.0 %) patients used LAIs in 2022, including 5,901 with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. Compared to White patients, Black (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.19, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI): 1.96 - 2.44) and Asian (OR: 3.39, 95 % CI: 1.54 - 7.43) patients were significantly more likely to use LAIs, controlling for other patient demographic and clinical characteristics. LAI users were also more likely to be male (OR: 1.83, 95 % CI: 1.64, 2.03), to live in suburban areas (OR: 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.10, 1.42), and to use Medicaid (OR: 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.34, 1.79). Similar differences were not found for oral antipsychotics. Results suggest that LAI use differs substantially by patient characteristics independent of psychiatric diagnoses. Identifying and understanding reasons for differences in LAI use is important to promote equitable access to and use of LAIs across racial, geographic, and other sociodemographic groups.

AI-based medication adherence prediction in patients with schizophrenia and attenuated psychotic disorders

OBJECTIVE

The capacity of machine-learning algorithms to predict medication adherence was assessed using data from AiCure, a computer vision-assisted smartphone application, which records the medication ingestion event.

METHODS

Patients treated with BI 409306 were recruited from two Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trials in schizophrenia (NCT03351244) and attenuated psychotic disorders (NCT03230097). A machine-learning model was optimized to predict overall trial adherence using AiCure data collected over three monitoring periods (7/10/14 days), adherence cut-offs (0.6/0.7/0.8) and timepoints (Start/Mid/End). Area under the curve (AUC), false negative rate, and false omission rate averaged across 10 model cross-validations were analyzed. In NCT03351244, post hoc analyses compared time to first relapse in patients observed as adherent versus those predicted adherent by the model.

RESULTS

Of 235 patients, 60.4 % demonstrated ≥80 % adherence. At an adherence cut-off of 0.8, the 14-day model performed best (AUC: 0.81 versus 0.79 [10-day], 0.77 [7-day]). Within the 14-day model, 0.6 cut-off was optimal (AUC: 0.87 versus 0.85 [0.7 cut-off], 0.81 [0.8 cut-off]). The Trial-End timepoint yielded the most accurate prediction (AUC: 0.92 versus 0.87 [Start], 0.85 [Mid]). Despite NCT03351244 not meeting the primary endpoint, a reduction in risk of first relapse with BI 409306 versus placebo was observed when analyzed with adherent completers (≥80 % across trial; HR = 0.485) and patients with predicted adherence ≥60 % (HR = 0.510).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence data with longer monitoring durations (14 days), lower adherence cut-offs (0.6), and later timepoints (Trial-End) produced most accurate adherence predictions. Accurate adherence prediction provides insights about medication adherence patterns that may help clinicians improve individual adherence.

Preventing disease progression in schizophrenia: What are we waiting for

Despite research advances and progress in health care, schizophrenia remains a debilitating and costly disease. Onset occurs typically during youth and can lead to a relapsing and ultimately chronic course with persistent symptoms and functional impairment if not promptly and properly treated. Consequently, over time, schizophrenia causes substantial distress and disability for patients, their families and accrues to a collective burden to society. Recent research has revealed much about the pathophysiology that underlies the progressive nature of schizophrenia. Additionally, treatment strategies for disease management have been developed that have the potential to not just control psychotic symptoms but limit the cumulative morbidity of the illness. Given the evidence for their effectiveness and feasibility for their application, it is perplexing that this model of care has not yet become the standard of care and widely implemented to reduce the burden of illness on patients and society. This begs the question of whether the failure of implementation of a potentially disease-modifying strategy is due to the lack of evidence of efficacy (or belief in it) and readiness for implementation, or whether it's the lack of motivation and political will to support their utilization. To address this question, we reviewed and summarized the literature describing the natural history, pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies that can alleviate symptoms, prevent relapse, and potentially modify the course of schizophrenia. We conclude that, while we await further advances in mental health care from research, we must fully appreciate and take advantage of the effectiveness of existing treatments and overcome the attitudinal, policy, and infrastructural barriers to providing optimal mental health care capable of providing a disease-modifying treatment to patients with schizophrenia.

Dynamics of Clinical Manifestations and Social Functioning in Schizophrenia: A Non-interventional Observational Study of Paliperidone Palmitat Dosage Forms

BACKGROUND

Over the past seven years, the use of long-acting forms of antipsychotic medication has significantly increased in Russia. Specifically, in Moscow, from 2016 to 2021, the proportion of prescribed injectable long-acting antipsychotics had increased more than sevenfold (from 3% to 23%). Studies have shown that the correct selection of target groups for such therapy can reduce the frequency of relapses requiring hospitalization, lower the costs of inpatient care, and shift the focus of therapy from multiple drug administrations to psychosocial work.

AIM

This study was aimed at evaluating changes over time in psychosocial functioning, as well as clinical and psychopathological manifestations, in patients with schizophrenia during early remission and while on therapy with different forms of paliperidone: oral paliperidone (OP), paliperidone palmitate administered once monthly (PP1M), and paliperidone palmitate administered once every three months (PP3M).

METHODS

The observational study included 155 patients: 54 patients who had been treated with another second-generation antipsychotic received OP, 50 patients who had been treated with another antipsychotic received PP1M injections, and 51 patients who had been in remission for four months after treatment with PP1M received PP3M. The duration of the follow-up period was 12 months. Assessment of personal and social functioning was conducted five times: before the start of treatment, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later.

RESULTS

Treatment in all groups led to a statistically significant reduction in the severity of positive symptoms (p <0.001). Hallucinations proved more susceptible to therapy (p <0.001), while persistent delusions showed greater treatment resistance. Significantly more patients in the PP1M and PP3M groups had completed the entire program (n=24; 48.0%, and n=30; 58.8%, respectively) compared to the OP group (n=11; 20.4%). The PP3M group demonstrated the highest treatment adherence, with the largest number of patients completing the study, and a similar rate of exacerbations or inadequate efficacy compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with different forms of paliperidone provides a roughly equal pace reduction in the severity of schizophrenia, including positive and negative symptoms. The PP3M group had better adherence and the highest number of patients who fully completed the study.

Earlier Use of Long-Acting Injectable Paliperidone Palmitate Once-Monthly versus Oral Antipsychotics in Patients with Schizophrenia: An Integrated Patient-Level Meta Analysis of the PROSIPAL and PRIDE Studies

Purpose

A previous integrated patient-level analysis demonstrated a significant benefit of implementing once-monthly injectable paliperidone palmitate (PP1M) earlier in the treatment course for schizophrenia. Earlier therapeutic interventions during the first 3-5 years after disease onset can positively impact long-term outcomes in schizophrenia. This present analysis evaluated the risk of relapse both overall and by different durations of illness (0-3 years, >3-5 years, and >5 years from diagnosis) in adult patients with schizophrenia who received PP1M or oral antipsychotics (OAPs).

Patients and Methods

This analysis included integrated patient-level data from the Paliperidone Palmitate Research in Demonstrating Effectiveness (PRIDE) and Prevention of Relapse with Oral Antipsychotics versus Injectable Paliperidone Palmitate (PROSIPAL) studies. Both studies assessed relapse as the primary outcome in patients treated either PP1M or OAPs.

Results

Overall, the risk of relapse was reduced by 31% with PP1M compared to OAP (HR 0.69; 95% CI [0.56-0.86], P < 0.001). Fewer relapses were observed with PP1M versus OAP in the 0-3-year subgroup (15.8% and 21.7%, respectively), >3-5-year subgroup (19.6% and 29.9%, respectively), and >5-year subgroup (41.7% and 51.6%, respectively). These results represent a reduction in risk of relapse by 33% for patients receiving PP1M versus OAP in the 0-3-year subgroup (HR 0.67; 95% CI [0.44-1.00], P = 0.050), 43% in the >3-5-year subgroup (HR 0.57; 95% CI [0.35-0.93], P = 0.025), and 26% in the >5-year subgroup (HR 0.74; 95% CI [0.55-1.00], P = 0.049). Treatment-emergent adverse event rates were similar between treatment groups.

Conclusion

This analysis indicates that PP1M provides significant benefits in reducing relapse rates compared to OAPs, regardless of the duration of illness. These findings emphasize the importance of initiating PP1M treatment early in the course of schizophrenia to achieve better long-term outcomes.

Long-term effectiveness of aripiprazole once monthly on functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia: results of year 2 of the ReLiAM study

BACKGROUND

Aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) has proven effective in the treatment of schizophrenia, although little is known about its impact on global functioning and quality of life beyond 1 year. Here, we investigate the continued impact of AOM on the participants of the ReLiAM study during the second year of follow-up.

METHODS

The participants who were evaluated at ≥ 1 time point during the second year of the ReLiAM study (months 15, 18, 21, and 24; year 1 completers) were assessed via the GAF scale. Secondary outcomes were reported on the SOFAS, CGI-S, and QLS.

RESULTS

109 (86%) completed at least 1 post-12-month visit and 33 (30.3%) patients completed the final assessment at month 24. The improvements observed in the year 1 completers in GAF total score were maintained through to year 2 completers. The improvements in CGI-S and SOFAS that were observed at the end of year 1 were also maintained through the end of the second year. Similar trends of sustained improvement in GAF total score, CGI-S score, and SOFAS were observed in the post-hoc analyses of the year 2 completers. Seventy-four percent (74.3%) of year 1 completers experienced mild treatment-emergent adverse events during the second year, the most frequently reported being weight gain, akathisia, and insomnia. Seventeen percent (17.4%) experienced serious adverse events. Similar findings regarding effectiveness and tolerability were reported in the year 1 completers and in year 2 completers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the favorable effectiveness, including tolerability observed during the first year following AOM initiation, are maintained and may even continue to improve during the second year of treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02131415, first posted on May 6, 2014. Overall trial status: Terminated.

Antipsychotic Use and Psychiatric Hospitalization in First-Episode Non-affective Psychosis and Cannabis Use Disorder: A Swedish Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

There is a paucity of research on treatment outcomes of patients with psychosis and cannabis use disorder (CUD). We aimed to compare the effectiveness of antipsychotics in reducing the risk of hospitalization in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and co-occurring CUD.

STUDY DESIGN

We utilized a nationwide Swedish cohort of patients with longitudinal register data from the year 2006 to 2021. Participants were patients with FEP and co-occurring CUD (n = 1820, 84.73% men, mean age 26.80 years, SD 8.25 years). The main outcome was hospitalization due to psychotic relapse. Hospitalization due to any psychiatric disorder or substance use disorder (SUD) were examined as secondary outcomes. Within-individual Cox regression models were used to study these associations.

STUDY RESULTS

Use of any antipsychotic was associated with a 33% risk reduction of psychotic relapse (aHR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.60-0.75). Clozapine (0.43; 0.29-0.64), long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of risperidone (0.40; 0.22-0.71), aripiprazole (0.42; 0.27-0.65), and paliperidone (0.46; 0.30-0.69) were associated with the lowest risk of relapse. The association between the LAI formulation of olanzapine and hospitalization due to psychosis was statistically non-significant (0.61; 0.35-1.05). Clozapine was associated with an 86% risk reduction of hospitalization due to SUD (0.14; 0.05-0.44). Of oral non-clozapine antipsychotics, aripiprazole was associated with the lowest risk of hospitalization due to psychotic relapse (0.61; 0.45-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the use of clozapine, LAI formulations of second-generation antipsychotics other than olanzapine, or oral aripiprazole to prevent hospitalization in FEP and co-occurring CUD.

Types of Medication Non-adherence & Approaches to Enhance Medication Adherence in Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review

Background

Medication non-adherence (MNA) presents a significant obstacle that negatively impacts treatment effectiveness in mental health disorders. The objective of this review is to study different types of MNA and interventions designed to enhance medication adherence among individuals with mental health disorders.

Methods

We conducted an electronic search on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as adherence, non-adherence, compliance, non-compliance, mental health disorders, psychotropic drugs, major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorders (BD). From the search results, we selected studies pertinent to the objective of the review.

Results

Non-adherence can be categorized into primary nonadherence (not starting medication) and secondary non-adherence (not taking the medication as directed). Generally, we can group the reasons for non-adherence into unintentional and intentional. Unintentional non-adherence (UNA) arises when patients genuinely desire to comply with their prescribed course of therapy but are hindered by factors beyond their control. When addressing UNA, interventions should simplify medication regimens, utilize long-acting injectable (LAIs) medications, offer tools to manage medication and provide follow-up reminders. When a patient deliberately decides not to follow their treatment plan, this is known as intentional non-adherence. To improve intentional non-adherence, the focus should be on patient-centred care and shared decision-making, psychoeducation, effective doctor-patient communication, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and addressing concerns related to the side effects of psychotropic drugs.

Conclusion

It is crucial to understand that there is no universal solution to address non-adherence in mental health disorders. Each patient has distinct needs and characteristics, making personalized strategies and interventions of utmost significance.

Introducing S.C.O.P.E.™ (Schizophrenia Clinical Outcome Scenarios and Patient-Provider Engagement), an Interactive Digital Platform to Educate Healthcare Professionals on Schizophrenia Care

Despite evidence of benefits beyond those of oral antipsychotics, long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are underused in schizophrenia treatment. Underuse may be partially a result of misconceptions held by some healthcare professionals (HCPs) pertaining to LAIs. A panel of four experts convened between January 2022 and May 2022 to identify these misconceptions, and example cases or scenarios were created to illustrate common clinical situations relevant to these beliefs. Ultimately, an online platform and heuristic tool, Schizophrenia Clinical Outcome Scenarios and Patient-Provider Engagement (S.C.O.P.E.™), was developed to help prescribing clinicians and other HCPs better understand common clinical dilemmas, as well as the place for LAIs in schizophrenia treatment. Three main misconceptions related to the use of LAIs to treat schizophrenia were identified and included "physicians/providers know when patients are nonadherent", "patients do not accept/want LAI treatment", and "LAIs are only appropriate for patients who have demonstrated nonadherence". All misconceptions are refuted by current evidence and were used to develop clinical scenarios with questions to consider when patients present to various sites of care for treatment. These cases are presented on the S.C.O.P.E. educational platform. The platform also includes videos designed to help non-prescribing HCPs and mental health professionals address patient/caregiver concerns and to communicate LAI benefits. In addition, S.C.O.P.E. provides a section with information about each LAI that is currently FDA approved in the United States for the treatment of schizophrenia, to help familiarize HCPs with characteristics of LAIs. S.C.O.P.E. is an educational tool designed for HCPs to help improve their understanding of how to manage common clinical dilemmas in the treatment of people with schizophrenia, to clarify the role of LAIs in medication management, and to increase understanding of the characteristics of available LAIs. S.C.O.P.E. also aims to improve care in schizophrenia by facilitating increased awareness to patients and caregivers.

Multi-level barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based antipsychotics in the treatment of early-phase schizophrenia

Introduction

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications and clozapine are effective yet underutilized medical therapies in early intervention services. The purpose of this study was to conduct a pre-implementation evaluation of contextual determinants of early intervention programs to implement innovations optimizing LAI antipsychotic and clozapine use within a shared decision-making model.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews explored barriers and facilitators to implementing LAI antipsychotics and clozapine in early intervention services. Participants were: prescribers (n = 2), non-prescribing clinicians (n = 5), administrators (n = 3), clients (n = 3), and caregivers (n = 3). Interviews were structured and analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0).

Results

Participants were supportive of using LAI antipsychotics, despite barriers (e.g., transportation, insurance coverage), while most were unfamiliar with clozapine (Innovation). Critical incidents (e.g., COVID-19) did not interfere with implementation, while barriers included lack of performance measures; stigma affecting willingness to take medication; and clozapine considered to be a "last resort" (Outer Setting). Treatment culture was described as client-centered and collaborative, and most participants indicated LAI antipsychotic use was compatible with clinic workflows, but some were in need of resources (e.g., individuals trained to administer LAI antipsychotics; Inner Setting). Participants on the healthcare team expressed confidence in their roles. Family education and collaborative decision-making were recommended to improve client/family engagement (Individuals). Participants related the importance of tracking medication compliance, addressing client concerns, and providing prescribers with updated guidelines on evidence-based treatment (Implementation Process).

Discussion

Results may guide implementation strategy selection for future programs seeking to optimize the use of LAI antipsychotics and clozapine for early-phase schizophrenia, when appropriate.

Risperidone ISM®: review and update of its usefulness in all phases of schizophrenia

One of the most important challenges in the management of patients with schizophrenia is to ensure adherence to antipsychotic treatment. The contribution of long-acting injectables (LAI) is undeniable in this matter, but there are still some unmet medical needs not covered by these drugs (e.g. quick onset of action for patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia). This article summarises the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of Risperidone ISM (in situ microparticles). The aim of this review is to provide information about the potential uses of this new LAI formulation of risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia, contextualising and diving into the published evidence. Risperidone ISM shows a rapid release which allows achieving within 12 h risperidone active moiety levels similar to those observed in the steady-state for oral risperidone treatment, achieving a mean average concentration of 38.63 ng/mL. The plasma concentration of active moiety achieved by Risperidone ISM comes with a predictable dopamine D2 receptor occupancy above 65% throughout the 28-day dosing period, which is accepted as a threshold for the efficacy of the antipsychotic treatment. This can be associated with the positive efficacy findings throughout its clinical development. In the short term, it provides an early and progressive reduction of symptoms in adult patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia without the need for loading doses or oral risperidone supplementation, which could contribute to reinforcing the therapeutic alliance between the patient and the psychiatrist. In addition, long-term treatment was effective, safe and well tolerated regardless of the initial disease severity or whether patients were previously treated with Risperidone ISM during an acute exacerbation or switched from stable doses of oral risperidone. Improvement and maintenance of personal and social functioning and health-related quality of life were observed in each setting, respectively. All these findings endorse Risperidone ISM as a useful and valuable treatment for the acute and maintenance management of patients with schizophrenia.

Comparative Effectiveness of Antipsychotics in Patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

Importance

Antipsychotics are the cornerstone of maintenance treatment in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but it is unclear which agents should be prioritized by prescribers.

Objective

To investigate the clinical effectiveness of antipsychotics, including recent market entries, in comparison with oral olanzapine in relapse and treatment failure prevention among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This comparative effectiveness research study with a within-individual analysis included data from Swedish health care registers of inpatient and specialized outpatient care, sickness absence, and disability pensions among all individuals aged 16 to 65 years who were diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2021, including an incident cohort and a prevalent cohort.

Exposures

Specific antipsychotics.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The risks for psychosis relapse hospitalization and treatment failure (psychiatric hospitalization, death, or change in an antipsychotic medication) were adjusted for the temporal order of treatments, time since cohort entry, and concomitant drugs. Comparisons of all antipsychotics with oral olanzapine, the most commonly used antipsychotic, were investigated.

Results

Among the full cohort of 131 476 individuals, the mean (SD) age of the study cohort was 45.7 (16.2) years (70 054 men [53.3%]). During a median follow-up of 12.0 years [IQR, 5.2-16.0 years], 48.5% of patients (N = 63 730) experienced relapse and 71.1% (N = 93 464) underwent treatment failure at least once. Compared with oral olanzapine, paliperidone 3-month long-acting injectable (LAI) was associated with the lowest adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) in the prevention of relapses (AHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51-0.86), followed by aripiprazole LAI (AHR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.70-0.84]), olanzapine LAI (AHR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.73-0.86]), and clozapine (AHR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.79-0.86]). Quetiapine was associated with the highest risk of relapse (AHR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.38-1.51]). For prevention of treatment failure, paliperidone 3-month LAI was associated with the lowest AHR (AHR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.31-0.42]), followed by aripiprazole LAI (AHR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.57-0.63]), olanzapine LAI (AHR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.63-0.72]), and paliperidone 1-month LAI (AHR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.68-0.74]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This comparative effectiveness research study demonstrated large differences in the risk of relapse and treatment failure among specific antipsychotic treatments. The findings contradict the widely held conception that all antipsychotics are equally effective in relapse prevention.

Healthcare utilization and economics evaluation of paliperidone palmitate once-monthly in schizophrenia: a one-year, real-world, and retrospective mirror image study in China

Background

Investigation and analysis of the changes in healthcare resources and burden of schizophrenia in the real world before and after switching from oral antipsychotics (OAPs) to paliperidone palmitate once-monthly (PP1M) could provide evidence to clinicians and patients for choosing treatment modality and data support for health policy optimization.

Methods

The first dosage of PP1M was set as mirror point, and patients with mirror point between January 2020 and June 2022 were recruited in the study. The differences in treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and costs within one year before and after the mirror point were compared.

Results

A total of 72 patients transitioning from OAPs to PP1M (mean age, 35.33 years; 43.06% female) were included in the study. Of the 72 patients, the application of PP1M resulted in a significant reduction in the hospitalization times, emergency room visits, and direct medical costs (P < 0.001), while the pharmacy cost and total cost increased by 222.57% (P < 0.001) and 16.35% (P < 0.001), respectively; PP1M accounted for 88.48% of the pharmacy cost. For patients with ≥1 hospitalization during the OAPs phase (n = 25), the number of hospitalizations, hospitalization days and hospitalization expenses decreased by more than 90% (P < 0.001). Total one-year expenses decreased by 37.67% (P < 0.001), and pharmacy expenses increased by 185.21% (P < 0.001). For patients with no hospitalizations during the OAPs phase (n = 47), emergency and outpatient visits decreased by 70% (P < 0.001) and 30.27% (P < 0.05), respectively, while the total cost increased by 117.56% (P < 0.001), and the pharmacy cost increased by 260.15% (P < 0.001) after initiation of PP1M treatment.

Conclusion

After the transition to PP1M, the number of hospitalizations and outpatient and emergency department visits reduced, and healthcare resources were conserved. Switching to PP1M may be more economically beneficial for patients with prior hospitalizations while on OAP regimens. The high price of PP1M might be an obstacle to its widespread use.

A Long-Term Safety and Tolerability Study of TV-46000 for Subcutaneous Use in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

TV-46000 is a long-acting subcutaneous antipsychotic (LASCA) formulation of risperidone that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. In the phase 3, randomized, double-blind RIsperidone Subcutaneous Extended-release (RISE) study, TV-46000 once monthly (q1m) and once every 2 months (q2m) significantly prolonged time to impending relapse compared with placebo [5.0-fold (q1m) and 2.7-fold (q2m)]. This phase 3, randomized, double-blind Safety in Humans of TV-46000 subcutaneous INjection Evaluation (SHINE) study was designed to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and exposure of TV-46000 in schizophrenia.

METHODS

Patients who completed RISE without relapse (rollover) or who were newly recruited (de novo) were eligible for the SHINE study. Patients were initially stabilized on oral risperidone for 12 weeks (completed in RISE for rollover, or in SHINE for de novo). Patients in the de novo cohort and patients who received placebo in RISE were randomized 1:1 in SHINE to receive TV-46000 q1m or q2m for up to 56 weeks. Primary endpoint for SHINE was frequency of reported adverse events (AEs); event rates [ER; events per 100 patient-years (PYs)] were calculated for each AE by patients upon general questioning.

RESULTS

Overall, 336 patients were randomized in SHINE [TV-46000 q1m, n = 174; TV-46000 q2m, n = 162; of these, de novo, n = 109 and rollover, n = 227 (n = 172 patients were treated and n = 55 received placebo)]. A total of 334 patients were evaluated for safety [q1m, n = 172 (PY = 97.8); q2m, n = 162 (PY = 104.5)]. Proportions of patients (ER) with ≥ 1 AE and ≥ 1 treatment-related AE were 37% (180.0) and 21% (84.9) for TV-46000 q1m and 46% (157.9) and 20% (70.8) for TV-46000 q2m, respectively. Frequent treatment-related AEs [≥ 3% of patients in either group; proportion of patients (ER)] were injection site pain [q1m, 5% (24.5); q2m, 4% (22.0)] and injection site nodule [q1m, 2% (9.2); q2m, 6% (12.4)]. The proportions of patients with serious AEs was 5% for TV-46000 q1m and 7% for TV-46000 q2m; serious AEs reported for ≥ 2 patients overall were worsening schizophrenia [q1m, n = 1 (< 1%; ER, 1.02); q2m, n = 2 (1%; ER, 1.91)] and hyperglycemia [q1m, n = 1 (< 1%; ER, 1.02); q2m, n = 1 (< 1%; ER, 0.96)]. Of three reported deaths, none were related to treatment. Overall, eight patients discontinued treatment because of AEs. Similar or somewhat lower rates of AEs were reported for patients who rolled over from TV-46000 treatment compared with those who had no prior TV-46000 treatment (de novo and placebo rollover). Most AEs related to injection site reactions were mild; no patient had a severe reaction.

CONCLUSION

Results from this long-term safety study add to the favorable safety profiles of TV-46000 q1m and q2m, consistent with other formulations of risperidone and previous studies with TV-46000.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03893825; 27 March 2019.

An overview of the efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents

INTRODUCTION

The onset of psychotic symptoms occurs prior to age 19 in 39% of the patients with schizophrenia. There are limited approved treatment options for adolescents with schizophrenia. Brexpiprazole was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents in 2022.

AREAS COVERED

Extrapolation of adult data to youth and use of pharmacologic modeling coupled with open long-term safety data were used by the FDA to approve brexpiprazole for adolescent schizophrenia. They were all reviewed herein.

EXPERT OPINION

D2 receptor partial agonist antipsychotic agents are preferred in the early phase of treatment of psychotic disorders. Approval of brexpiprazole in adolescent schizophrenia provides an additional option. Brexpiprazole was approved by the FDA on the basis of extrapolation of adult data without controlled trials in adolescents. This reduces placebo exposure in young people. Two previous agents (asenapine and ziprasidone) approved for adult schizophrenia failed to separate from placebo in adolescent schizophrenia studies; this partially undermines the process of extrapolation. For brexpiprazole, the paucity of data in adolescents relegates it to a second-line agent. More research on brexpiprazole is needed to delineate its relative role in the management of adolescent schizophrenia.

An overview of the currently available and emerging long-acting formulations of risperidone for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

INTRODUCTION

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications can help improve treatment adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Despite this, they are underutilized. In 2003, intramuscular risperidone became the first available LAI atypical antipsychotic medication, and since then, a number of competing long-acting risperidone formulations have been brought to market, with additional options under active development. These include intramuscular, subcutaneous, long-acting oral, and implantable formulations.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes currently available and emerging long-acting risperidone formulations, including efficacy and safety data, and practical considerations aimed to help prescribers distinguish one formulation from another.

EXPERT OPINION

There is an expanding number of currently available LAI antipsychotic medications giving patients and providers an opportunity to personalize and individualize care. Rates of adherence to treatment in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are low, and individualizing care can help improve this. The risperidone LAI treatment landscape includes five options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with others under clinical development. These options differ in regard to mode of administration, approved indications, available dose strengths, injection intervals, needle size, injection volume, storage, and other variables. Prescribers should be familiar with these differing options to help patients find the best fit for their individual needs.

Long-acting antipsychotic treatments: focus on women with schizophrenia

Effective management of schizophrenia (SZ) requires long-term treatment with antipsychotics (APs) to prevent clinical relapse, attain remission and improve patients' personal and social functioning, and quality of life. Although APs remain the cornerstone treatment for patients with SZ, despite their potential benefits, long-acting injectable APs (LAI-APs) remain underused, most notably in women with SZ. The efficacy and tolerability of APs differ significantly between men and women, and some of these differences are more noticeable depending on the patient's age and the stage of the disorder. Although sex differences may influence treatment outcomes in SZ, their pertinence has been insufficiently addressed, especially regarding the use of LAI-APs. Some biological and social experiences, such as pregnancy, lactation, contraception and menopause, are specific to women, but these remain under-researched issues. Implications of this disorder in parenting are also of special pertinence regarding women; therefore, taking sex differences into account when treating SZ patients is now recommended, and improving personalized approaches has been proposed as a priority in the management of psychosis. In this narrative, critical review, we address some aspects specific to sex and their implications for the clinical management of women with SZ, with a special focus on the potential role of LAI-AP treatments.

Text Message Reminders for Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

BACKGROUND

Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have a chronic disease process that is difficult to manage. Medication nonadherence increases the risk for relapse and subsequent rehospitalization. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have greater effectiveness in promoting medication adherence.

AIMS

To determine whether text message reminders for LAI antipsychotic administration improve medication adherence.

METHODS

The setting is a community mental health clinic in the west Texas region. Reminders deliver upon scheduling the appointment 3 weeks, 3 days, and 3 hr before the medication is due. This project aimed to determine the effectiveness of text reminders for LAI compliance in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Primary outcome measures include compliance percentage and target day variability. After exclusion criteria, there was a sample size of 49 patients.

RESULTS

This pre- and post-intervention study utilized descriptive statistics and nonparametric analysis. Pre-intervention metrics outline 84.39% compliance with 3.55 target day variability. Post-intervention data resulted in a significant increase in compliance percentage to 91.24% (p = .014) and a decrease in target day variability to 1.33 days (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Text message reminders may be an effective intervention in increasing LAI compliance for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Predictors of Readmission in Young Adults with First-Episode Psychosis: A Multicentric Retrospective Study with a 12-Month Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

A significant number of young individuals are readmitted one or more times shortly after their first episode of psychosis. Readmission may represent a marker of psychopathological vulnerability. Our primary aim was to evaluate the impact of clinical and socio-demographic variables on readmission at 12-month follow-up. Secondly, our goal was to determine whether the use of Long-Acting Injection (LAI) antipsychotics provides notable benefits compared to oral medications in preventing subsequent readmissions.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

80 patients hospitalised for the first time with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder (ICD-10 criteria) were retrospectively assessed through clinical records. The mean age was 21.7 years. Patients were predominantly male (n = 62, 77.5%), and 55 subjects had at least 8 years of education. 50% of the sample was "NEET" (not in education, employment, or training).

RESULTS

35 patients (43.8%) were discharged with a LAI antipsychotic, while 45 (56.2%) recieved oral antipsychotic therapy. Substance use (p = 0.04) and oral antipsychotics at discharge (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with readmission at 1 year. We did not find any significant predictors of being discharged with LAI therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underlined the importance of identifying patients at risk of readmission in order to prevent future rehospitalization and promote appropriate prevention strategies. LAIs should be considered as a first-choice treatment for patients hospitalised for FEP since they proved to be effective in preventing relapse.

In-Hospital Use of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics and Readmission Risk in Patients With First-Admission Schizophrenia in Taiwan

Importance

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) can help decrease the rate of nonadherence to medications in patients with schizophrenia, but these drugs are underutilized in clinical practice, especially in Asian countries. One strategy for the early prescription of LAIs is to administer the drugs during patients' first admission, when they have more time to absorb medication-related knowledge.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for in-hospital use of LAIs among first-admission patients with schizophrenia in Taiwan and to examine the association of early discontinuation with readmission risk among patients receiving LAIs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included data from a claims database for patients with a first admission for schizophrenia at psychiatric wards in Taiwan from 2004 to 2017. Eligible patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder at discharge and aged between 15 and 64 years. Data analysis was performed from April to September 2022.

Exposure

In-hospital use of LAIs with or without early discontinuation.

Main Outcome and Measures

Readmission for any psychotic disorder following discharge from first admission, with risk estimated via multivariable survival regression analysis, including the Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model and accelerated failure time (AFT) model.

Results

Of the 56 211 patients with a first admission for schizophrenia (mean [SD] age, 38.1 [12.1] years; 29 387 men [52.3%]), 46 875 (83.4%) did not receive any LAIs during admission, 5665 (10.1%) received LAIs with early discontinuation, and 3671 (6.5%) received LAIs without early discontinuation. The prevalence of receiving LAIs increased by 4%, from 15.3% (3863 of 25 251 patients) to 19.3% (3013 of 15 608 patients) between 2004-2008 and 2013-2017. After controlling for sex, year, prior antipsychotic use, age at first admission, and length of stay, the CPH regression analysis revealed that the readmission risk increased among patients receiving LAIs with early discontinuation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.21-1.30) but decreased among patients receiving LAIs without early discontinuation (aHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.84-0.92) compared with patients not receiving LAIs. Results remained similar for the AFT model.

Conclusions and Relevance

The incidence of in-hospital use of LAIs among patients with a first admission for schizophrenia has remained low. In this study, early discontinuation of LAIs was associated with readmission risk-specifically, early discontinuation with a higher risk while the lack of early discontinuation with a lower risk compared with treatment with oral antipsychotics alone-which suggests our results have implications for improving the efficacy of LAI administration among patients with a first admission for schizophrenia.

Efficacy and safety of long-acting injectable versus oral antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with early-phase schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) have advantages over oral antipsychotics (OAPs) in preventing relapse and hospitalization in chronically ill patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSDs), but evidence in patients with first-episode/recent-onset, that is, early-phase-SSDs is less clear.

Objectives

To assess the relative medium- and long-term efficacy and safety of LAIs versus OAPs in the maintenance treatment of patients with early-phase SSDs.

Method

We searched major electronic databases for head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LAIs and OAPs for the maintenance treatment of patients with early-phase-SSDs.

Design

Pairwise, random-effects meta-analysis. Relapse/hospitalization and acceptability (all-cause discontinuation) measured at study-endpoint were co-primary outcomes, calculating risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses sought to identify factors moderating differences in efficacy or acceptability between LAIs and OAPs.

Results

Across 11 head-to-head RCTs (n = 2374, median age = 25.2 years, males = 68.4%, median illness duration = 45.8 weeks) lasting 13-104 (median = 78) weeks, no significant differences emerged between LAIs and OAPs for relapse/hospitalization prevention (RR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.58-1.06, p = 0.13) and acceptability (RR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.80-1.05, p = 0.20). The included trials were highly heterogeneous regarding methodology and patient populations. LAIs outperformed OAPs in preventing relapse/hospitalization in studies with stable patients (RR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.45-0.92), pragmatic design (RR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.54-0.82), and strict intent-to-treat approach (RR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.52-0.80). Furthermore, LAIs were associated with better acceptability in studies with schizophrenia patients only (RR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.79-0.95), longer illness duration (RR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.80-0.97), unstable patients (RR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.81-0.99) and allowed OAP supplementation of LAIs (RR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.81-0.99).

Conclusion

LAIs and OAPs did not differ significantly regarding relapse prevention/hospitalization and acceptability. However, in nine subgroup analyses, LAIs were superior to OAPs in patients with EP-SSDs with indicators of higher quality and/or pragmatic design regarding relapse/hospitalization prevention (four subgroup analyses) and/or reduced all-cause discontinuation (five subgroup analyses), without any instance of OAP superiority versus LAIs. More high-quality pragmatic trials comparing LAIs with OAPs in EP-SSDs are needed.

Trial registration

CRD42023407120 (PROSPERO).

Adherence, health care utilization, and costs between long-acting injectable and oral antipsychotic medications in South Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder require long-term antipsychotic treatment with antipsychotic medications, but poor medication adherence can lead to increased health care utilization and costs. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) offer potential therapeutic advantages in that they require less frequent dosing and improved medication adherence. South Carolina has the highest adoption of LAIs among US states, making it an ideal population for comparing the effectiveness of LAIs vs oral antipsychotics (OAPs) in treating schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of LAIs compared with OAPs on medication adherence, health care resource utilization, and costs among South Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

METHODS

South Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries with at least 1 claim for an LAI or OAP between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, aged 18 to 65, with at least 2 claims with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were included. Propensity scores (PSs) were calculated using logistic regression adjusting for confounders and predictors of the outcome. We estimated the "average treatment effect on the treated" by employing PS-weighted t-tests and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

A total of 3,531 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 1,537 (44.5%) treated with LAIs and 1,994 (56.5%) treated with OAPs. In PS-weighted analyses, the LAI cohort had a greater proportion of days covered than the OAP cohort with a 365-day fixed denominator (69% vs 64%; P < 0.0001), higher medication possession ratio with a variable denominator while on therapy (85% vs 80%; P < 0.0001), and higher persistence (82% vs 64%; P < 0.0001). The average number of inpatient visits and emergency department visits did not significantly differ between cohorts (0.28 hospitalizations, P = 0.90; 3.68 vs 2.96 emergency department visits, P = 0.19). The number of outpatient visits, including visits for medication administration, were greater in the LAI cohort (23.1 [SD 24.2]) vs OAP (16.9 [SD 21.2]; P < 0.0001); however, including the costs for medication administration visits, outpatient costs (per member) were approximately $2,500 lower in the LAI cohort (P < 0.0001). The number of pharmacy visits was greater in the OAP cohort (LAI 21.0 [SD 17.0] vs OAP 23.0 [SD 15.0]; P = 0.006). All-cause total costs were greater in the LAI cohort ($26,025 [SD $29,909]) vs the OAP cohort ($17,291 [SD $25,261]; P < 0.0001) and were driven by the difference in pharmaceutical costs (LAI $15,273 [SD $16,183] vs OAP $4,696 [SD $10,371]; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among South Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries, treatment with LAIs for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was associated with greater medication adherence rates. Patients using LAIs had higher drug costs and total costs, but lower outpatient and total nondrug costs compared with those using OAPs.

Rural ambulatory care pharmacists providing in-clinic and home visit services improve adherence to long-acting injectable antipsychotics

Patients with schizophrenia often experience symptoms such as poor insight and disorganized thought, which limit their ability to seek and receive care consistently. In rural settings, systemic factors, including limited resources and transportation, further contribute to difficulties in health care access. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) can improve medication adherence and reduce hospitalizations from relapse. Opportunities exist for pharmacists to provide individualized care and improved health care access. The pilot service took place in ambulatory care clinics and home care settings. Pharmacists performed weekly reviews of patients with active orders for LAIs, coordinated care with nonadherent patients, and offered follow-up appointments in the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH). For patients unable to be reached, outreach pharmacists provided psychiatric assessment and LAI medication administration at home visits. There were 10 patients with LAI prescriptions in the past year selected for review. The period reviewed was 90 days before and after start of service. Pharmacist interventions resulted in 4 patients reestablished with care who were previously lost to follow-up. The percentage of days covered by LAI fills increased from an average 26% to 67% of days covered (P = .06). Total emergency room visits related to mental health episodes decreased from 11 to 2 visits (P = .03). Four patients who did not have metabolic lab monitoring in more than 1 year received lab monitoring as indicated. PCMH pharmacy services, including home visits by outreach pharmacists, may improve access and bridge care gaps for patients on LAIs by providing community-based services in addition to traditional clinic-based care.

Racial Disparities Among Clinical High-Risk and First-Episode Psychosis Multisite Research Participants: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The NIH has mandated equal representation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) individuals in clinical research, but it is unclear whether such inclusion has been achieved in multisite research studies of individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis or with first-episode psychosis (FEP). An assessment of inclusion rates is important for understanding the social determinants of psychosis and psychosis risk that specifically affect BIPOC individuals.

METHODS

The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature published between 1993 and 2022 of multisite research studies of clinical high risk for psychosis and FEP in North America to determine ethnoracial inclusion rates. Using an online systematic review tool, the authors checked 2,278 studies for eligibility. Twelve studies met all inclusion criteria. Data were extracted, and demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, study design, and recruitment strategies used by each study were analyzed.

RESULTS

Most (62%) of the participants in studies of clinical high risk for psychosis were White. Compared with national data, the demographic characteristics of individuals with clinical high risk were representative across most ethnoracial groups. Black participants (43%) made up the largest ethnoracial group in FEP studies and were overrepresented compared with their representation in the U.S. population. FEP studies were more likely to recruit participants from community mental health centers than were the studies of clinical high risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these results suggest high representation of BIPOC individuals in psychosis research, opportunities exist for an improved focus on ethnoracial representation. The authors offer recommendations for practices that may increase ethnoracial diversity in future psychosis study samples.

Combination of Two Long-Acting Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Up to 34% of patients with schizophrenia are resistant to several treatment trials. Lack of continuous and adequate treatment is associated with relapse, rehospitalization, a lower effect of antipsychotic therapy, and higher risk of side effects. Long-acting injectables antipsychotics (LAI APs) enhance compliance and improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia, and thus it may be advisable to administer two LAI APs at the same time in cases of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature regarding the combined use of two LAI APs in patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic spectrum disorders.

METHODS

An extensive literature search for relevant articles regarding any combination of two long-acting injectable antipsychotics has been performed from inception up to 9 February 2024, on PubMed, Scopus and APA PsycInfo, according to the PRISMA statement. Only studies reporting combination of two LAI APs and its clinical outcome in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders were selected.

RESULTS

After the selection process, nine case reports, four case series and two observational retrospective studies were included in the final analysis. All patients treated with dual LAI APs reported a good response, and no new or unexpected adverse effects due to the combination of two LAIs were reported. Different drug combinations were used, and the most frequent association resulted in aripiprazole monohydrate + paliperidone palmitate once monthly (32 times).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review highlights that the treatment regimen with two concurrent LAI APs is already widely used in clinical practice and is recognized as providing a promising, effective, and relatively safe therapeutic strategy for treating the schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Effect of long-acting antipsychotic treatment on psychiatric hospitalization rate in early psychosis patients: a naturalistic study

Background

The effectiveness of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics in preventing relapses of first-episode psychosis is currently debated.

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the number of psychiatric hospitalizations comparing the LAI cohort versus the oral cohort during different phases of the illness, pre-LAI treatment, during LAI treatment, and after LAI treatment.

Design

A naturalistic study was conducted on two independent cohorts of early psychosis patients receiving treatment from a specific early intervention service. The first cohort comprised 228 patients who received LAIs, while the second cohort comprised 667 patients who had never received LAIs.

Methods

This study was designed as a longitudinal observational study conducted within a naturalistic clinical setting in two cohorts of early psychosis patients. Repeated series ANCOVA (ANCOVA-r) was used to study the number of hospitalizations in the different study periods (T1 = from the date of the first psychiatric record to the beginning of the mirror period; T2 = the mirror period; T3 = from the LAI implementation to the LAI discontinuation; and T4 = from the LAI discontinuation to the end). In all cases, discontinuation of LAI involved the return to oral treatment. In all, 35 patients had not T4 as they were still on LAI treatment at the time of database closing (September 2020), and their data were not included in the analysis of the effect of the LAI discontinuation.

Results

The patients in the LAI cohort were younger, more frequently males, presented more schizophrenia diagnoses, and had a higher number of hospitalizations (2.50 ± 2.61 versus 1.19 ± 1.69; p < 0.001) than the oral cohort. The number of hospitalizations at the end of the follow-up was higher in the LAI cohort [0.20 (standard deviation (SD)) = 0.79] versus 0.45 [SD = 0.45 (SD = 1.13); F(23.90), p < 0.001]. However, after the introduction of LAIs, the differences in hospitalization rates between the two cohorts became less pronounced. Once LAI treatment was ceased, the hospitalization rate increased again.

Conclusion

In our study, early psychosis patients receiving LAIs experienced a greater decrease in hospitalizations after introducing the LAI treatment than those treated solely with oral medication. These findings support using LAIs as a viable strategy for preventing rehospitalization and improving the overall course of treatment for individuals with early psychosis.

Seven decades of antipsychotic drugs: Why is the life of Australians with schizophrenia still so suboptimal?

The advent of dopamine (D2) receptor-blocking medications over 70 years ago, ushered in a new era of biological treatment for schizophrenia. However, we argue that little subsequent progress has been made in translating this into fulfilled and fulfilling lives for people with schizophrenia. This Viewpoint asks why this is the case, and suggests ways forward for capitalising on extant and emerging new treatments for psychotic disorders, to the betterment of the lives of people living with schizophrenia.

Clinical Experience on the Use of a Single-day, Two-injection Start Initiation Regimen of Aripiprazole Once Monthly in Patients With Schizophrenia in Spain: SaTISfy Study

OBJECTIVE

The two-injection start (TIS) initiation regimen was recently approved for aripiprazole once monthly 400 mg (AOM400), with potential benefits in adherence. The SaTISfy study described in this article analyzed Spanish psychiatrists' perspectives on hospitalization lengths of stay, schizophrenia management, and the use of AOM400-TIS.

METHODS

The authors describe an ecological study of aggregated data collected using a 41-question survey. Fifty psychiatrists were asked to provide their perceptions of their patients with schizophrenia and treatment with AOM400.

RESULTS

The psychiatrists reported that lack of treatment adherence was the main reason for hospitalization for 58.3% of their patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Aripiprazole, in any formulation, was the most commonly prescribed therapeutic option, being prescribed for a mean (SD) of 2.5 (0.9) out of 5 patients, while 98% of psychiatrists chose AOM400-TIS for patients who failed to adhere to previous treatments. Patients with schizophrenia, regardless of their treatment, were hospitalized for an average of 17.7 (3.93) days versus patients with schizophrenia treated with AOM400-TIS, who were hospitalized for an average of 14.2 (4.18) days, a reduction of 3.5 (3.86) days. Patients treated with AOM400-TIS showed a reduction of 5 (4.18) days compared with the mean national duration of hospitalization for acute patients in psychiatry units in Spain (19.18 d). The surveyed psychiatrists reported that AOM400-TIS improved safety and tolerability. Most of the psychiatrists were satisfied with the administration and results of AOM400-TIS. Most of the psychiatrists (90%) also reported that fewer health care resources were consumed with AOM400-TIS, mainly due to a reduction in hospitalization days and in the use of concomitant medications.

CONCLUSIONS

AOM400-TIS was considered to have a positive impact on the duration of hospitalization and thus on the use of health care resources. There was a positive perception of adherence, safety, and tolerability with the use of AOM400-TIS in patients with schizophrenia.

Long-Acting Injectable Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Seriously Ill Patients with Schizophrenia: Doses, Plasma Levels, and Treatment Outcomes

This research studies the dose-plasma level (PL) relationship of second-generation antipsychotics, together with the treatment outcomes achieved, in seriously ill people with schizophrenia. An observational, prospective, one-year follow-up study was carried out with patients (N = 68) with severe schizophrenia treated with paliperidone three-month (PP3M) or aripiprazole one-month (ARIM). Participants were divided into standard-dose or high-dose groups. PLs were divided into "standard PL" and "high PL" (above the therapeutic reference range, TRR) groups. The dose/PL relationship, and severity, hospitalizations, tolerability, compliance, and their relationship with doses and PLs were evaluated. There was no clear linear relationship between ARIM or PP3M doses and the PLs achieved. In half of the subjects, standard doses reached PLs above the TRR. The improvements in clinical outcomes (decrease in clinical severity and relapses) were related to high PLs, without worse treatment tolerability or adherence. All participants remained in the study, regardless of dose or PL. Clinical severity and hospitalizations decreased significantly more in those patients with high PLs. Considering the non-linear dose-PL relationship of ARIM and PP3M in people with severe schizophrenia, PLs above the TRR are linked to better treatment outcomes, without worse tolerability. The need in a notable number of cases for high doses to reach those effective PLs is highlighted.

Long-Acting Injectable Second-Generation Antipsychotics vs Placebo and Their Oral Formulations in Acute Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled-Trials

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs (LAIs) are mainly used for relapse prevention but could also be advantageous for acutely ill patients with schizophrenia.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) comparing the second-generation long-acting injectable antipsychotics (SGA-LAIs) olanzapine, risperidone, paliperidone, and aripiprazole with placebo or their oral counterparts in acutely ill patients with schizophrenia. We analyzed 23 efficacy and tolerability outcomes, with the primary outcome being overall symptoms of schizophrenia. The results were obtained through random effects, pairwise meta-analyses, and subgroup tests. The study quality was assessed using the Cochrane-Risk-of-Bias-Tool version-1.

STUDY RESULTS

Sixty-six studies with 16 457 participants were included in the analysis. Eleven studies compared second-generation long-acting injectable antipsychotics (SGA-LAIs) with a placebo, 54 compared second-generation oral antipsychotics (SGA-orals) with a placebo, and one compared an SGA-LAI (aripiprazole) with its oral formulation. All 4 SGA-LAIs reduced overall symptoms more than placebo, with mean standardized differences of -0.66 (95% CI: -0.90; -0.43) for olanzapine, -0.64 (-0.80; -0.48) for aripiprazole, -0.62 (-0.76; -0.48) for risperidone and -0.42 (-0.53; -0.31) for paliperidone. The side-effect profiles of the LAIs corresponded to the patterns known from the oral formulations. In subgroup tests compared to placebo, some side effects were less pronounced under LAIs than under their oral formulations.

CONCLUSIONS

SGA-LAIs effectively treat acute schizophrenia. Some side effects may be less frequent than under oral drugs, but due to the indirect nature of the comparisons, this finding must be confirmed by RCTs comparing LAIs and orals head-to-head.

Aripiprazole 2-month ready-to-use 960 mg (Ari 2MRTU): review of its possible role in schizophrenia therapy

Most patients with schizophrenia need life-long treatment. There is therefore a continued need for effective and tolerable treatment options. A 2-monthly LAI formulation of aripiprazole, Aripiprazole 2-Month Ready-to-Use 960 mg (Ari 2MRTU 960) has recently been approved in the US. Here, the possible role in therapy for this new treatment option is discussed in a narrative review. PubMed was searched for literature on long-acting injectables with a focus on patient-reported outcomes and real-world evidence on extended injection intervals (2-3 months). Dopamine D2 partial agonists, one of which is aripiprazole, exhibit favorable tolerability and safety properties. Additionally, there are many advantages in using long-acting injectable formulations such as enhanced treatment persistence and stability of patients as well as reduced rates of relapses, hospitalizations, and death. Some of these advantages become more pronounced with longer injection intervals. Additional advantages of longer injection intervals are more room for non-medication-related communication between healthcare professionals and patients, patient and physician preferences, reduced caregiver burden, and easier transitioning from inpatient to outpatient treatment. Taken together, since aripiprazole may be a good treatment choice for many patients based on its favorable safety and tolerability profile, and given the advantages of LAI treatment over oral treatment and the advantages of reduced dosing frequency, Ari 2MRTU 960 may become an important treatment option for many clinically stable patients with schizophrenia.

Predictors of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medication Use in Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum, Bipolar, and Other Psychotic Disorders in a US Community-based, Integrated Health System

Background and Hypothesis

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics improve patient outcomes and are recommended by treatment guidelines for patients with limited medication adherence in schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar, and other psychotic disorders. Reports of LAI antipsychotic use in these disorders and if use aligns with treatment guidelines are lacking. This study aimed to report patient characteristics associated with LAI antipsychotic use in these disorders.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study of patients ≥18-years-old with bipolar or psychotic disorders at a large, integrated, community-based health system. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics served as exposures for the main outcome of adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for LAI versus oral antipsychotic medication use from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2023.

Study Results

There were N = 2685 LAI and N = 31 531 oral antipsychotic users. Being non-white (aOR = 1.3-2.0; P < .0001), non-female (aOR = 1.5; P < .0001), from a high deprivation neighborhood (NDI, aOR = 1.3; P < .0007), having a higher body mass index (BMI, aOR = 1.3-1.7; P < .0009), having a schizophrenia/schizoaffective (aOR = 5.8-6.8; P < .0001), psychotic (aOR = 1.6, P < .0001), or substance use disorder (aOR = 1.4; P < .0001), and outpatient psychiatry (aOR = 2.3-7.5; P < .0001) or inpatient hospitalization (aOR = 2.4; P < .0001) utilization in the prior year with higher odds and age ≥40 (aOR = 0.4-0.7; P < .0001) or bipolar disorder (aOR = 0.9; P < .05) were associated with lower odds of LAI use. Non-white, non-female, age 18-39, and high NDI patients had higher LAI use regardless of treatment adherence markers. Smoking and cardiometabolic markers were also associated with LAI use.

Conclusions

Demographic and clinical factors are associated with increased LAI use irrespective of treatment adherence. Research on utilization variation informing equitable formulation use aligned with treatment guideline recommendations is warranted.

Comparative Safety of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To find the safety of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) compared to each other, and/or placebo in the treatment of schizophrenia (SCZ) and/or schizoaffective disorder (SZA).

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the safety of LAIs versus other LAIs or placebo in adults diagnosed with SCZ or SZA. The primary outcomes were treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious treatment emergent adverse events (STEAEs), and deaths. The secondary outcomes included treatment discontinuations due to adverse events and all-cause discontinuations.

RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs were included (n=7,908). There were no significant differences between LAIs and placebo in the risk of presenting TEAEs. LAIs had a significant lower risk of presenting STEAEs except for aripiprazole. No significant differences in deaths were found. LAIs showed a significant protective effect against all-cause discontinuation, except for haloperidol. Only aripiprazole had a significantly lower risk of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events.

CONCLUSION

We found no significant differences in the risk of presenting TEAEs between LAIs and placebo. The majority of LAIs had a significantly lower risk of presenting STEAEs than placebo. Development of international guidelines for the report of safety outcomes related to antipsychotics especially for LAIs in clinical trials could minimize report and interpretation biases and improve the accuracy of posterior meta-analysis.

Plasmatic Levels and Response to Variable Doses of Monthly Aripiprazole and Three-Month Paliperidone in Patients with Severe Schizophrenia. Treatment Adherence, Effectiveness, Tolerability, and Safety

Introduction

There is a need when optimizing antipsychotic treatment to know the plasmatic levels (PLs) achieved with the different doses and their relationship with effectiveness and toxicity, especially in patients with poor clinical progress. This study investigates the dose-PL-response relationship of monthly aripiprazole (AOM) and three-month paliperidone (PP3M).

Methods

Observational, 52-week prospective study of patients with severe schizophrenia (CGI-S ≥ 5) treated with PP3M or AOM for at least one year before their inclusion in the study (N=68). Dose-PL relationship was determined. Subjects were included in standard-dose and high-dose (above labeled) and standard/therapeutic range-PLs and high-PLs (above range) groups. Treatment adherence, effectiveness (hospitalizations, severity), tolerability and safety were assessed. PLs and clinical response were evaluated.

Results

No clear linear relationship was found between doses and PLs. In a considerable number of cases, standard doses achieved PLs above the therapeutic range. A significant clinical improvement was related to high PLs, without less safety, tolerability, or treatment compliance being involved. Clinical severity decreased more frequently in patients who received high doses and reached high PLs. Hospital admissions decreased significantly in those patients with high PLs.

Conclusion

Taking into account the absence of a linear relationship between doses and PLs, the effectiveness in people with severe schizophrenia of AOM and PP3M depends on reaching high PLs, achieved with high doses, but also with standard doses in some cases, without leading to worse treatment tolerability, safety, or adherence.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Use in a National Sample of Medicare Beneficiaries With Schizophrenia

This cross-sectional study assesses the racial and ethnic disparities in long-acting injectable antipsychotic use in a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries with schizophrenia.

Time-to-therapy discontinuation in patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia initiated on long-acting injectable versus oral dopamine receptor blocking agents

AIM

The purpose of this project is to assess the time-to-therapy discontinuation and hospital readmission rate among patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia who are prescribed long-acting injectable versus oral dopamine receptor blocking agents.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records was performed for adult patients admitted to an 80-bed inpatient behavioural health facility with a new diagnosis of schizophrenia. The primary outcome studied was time to therapy discontinuation within 1 year of discharge, while secondary outcomes assessed were time-to-therapy discontinuation within 90 days and readmission rate at 30-days, 6 months, and 1 year. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard and linear regression modelling were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 425 patients were included in the analysis, with 66.4% (n = 282) discharged on oral and 33.6% (n = 143) on long-acting injectable dopamine receptor blocking agents. At 1 year post-discharge, the rates of discontinuation were 49.7% for those prescribed long-acting injectable and 55.7% for those prescribed oral formulations (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.54, p = .012). There was no statistically significant difference in readmission rate between the patients prescribed long-acting injectable and oral dopamine receptor blocking agents at any timepoint tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of long-acting injectable dopamine receptor blocking agents was associated with longer time-to-discontinuation compared to oral agents when prescribed to patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia in the inpatient setting. However, this was not associated with significant reductions in rehospitalization, calling into question the clinical impact. Future studies will seek to confirm these findings using a prospective study design.

Advances in long-acting slow effective release antiretroviral therapies for treatment and prevention of HIV infection

Adherence to daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a barrier to both treatment and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. To overcome limitations of life-long daily regimen adherence, long-acting (LA) injectable antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, nanoformulations, implants, vaginal rings, microarray patches, and ultra-long-acting (ULA) prodrugs are now available or in development. These medicines enable persons who are or at risk for HIV infection to be treated with simplified ART regimens. First-generation LA cabotegravir, rilpivirine, and lenacapavir injectables and a dapivirine vaginal ring are now in use. However, each remains limited by existing dosing intervals, ease of administration, or difficulties in finding drug partners. ULA ART regimens provide an answer, but to date, such next-generation formulations remain in development. Establishing the niche will require affirmation of extended dosing, improved access, reduced injection volumes, improved pharmacokinetic profiles, selections of combination treatments, and synchronization of healthcare support. Based on such needs, this review highlights recent pharmacological advances and a future treatment perspective. While first-generation LA ARTs are available for HIV care, they remain far from ideal in meeting patient needs. ULA medicines, now in advanced preclinical development, may close gaps toward broader usage and treatment options.

Switching to long-acting injectable antipsychotics: pharmacological considerations and practical approaches

INTRODUCTION

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are an effective, but potentially underutilized treatment option in schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. Prescribing information typically focuses on how to initiate treatment from the corresponding oral formulations. However, in clinical practice other scenarios, such as switching from other oral antipsychotics or other LAIs, occur frequently, requiring guidance.

AREAS COVERED

Pharmacodynamic properties of antipsychotics and their relation to rebound symptoms. Pharmacokinetic properties of LAIs and their implications for switching approaches. Specific approaches to switching to LAIs.

EXPERT OPINION

The LAI landscape has evolved significantly in the last decade with more formulations available, longer dosing intervals, and extended indications. However, currently available LAIs have various shortcomings, e.g. short dosing intervals, need for oral supplementation, loading regimens, deep intramuscular injection and/or restricted indications. Recent improvements include a one-day initiation option for aripiprazole lauroxil, aripiprazole monohydrate once-monthly, risperidone in situ microparticles and subcutaneous risperidone. Future LAI developments should focus on longer dosing intervals, subcutaneous administration, expansion of LAIs beyond currently available antipsychotic agents and indications beyond schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In the future, LAIs might become a first-line treatment after initial oral stabilization for chronic mental disorders with need for maintenance treatment and presence of significant non-adherence.

Real-world effectiveness of long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatments in a nationwide cohort of 12,373 patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

This mirror-image study aimed to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI) in schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia initiating LAIs January 2015-December 2016 were enrolled from the French National Health Data System (SNDS). Standardized mean differences (SMD > 0.1 deemed clinically significant) were calculated for psychiatric healthcare resource utilization measures assessed one year before (during oral AP treatment) and one year after LAI initiation. LAI effectiveness was analyzed overall and by age group, gender and compliance to oral AP, defined as exposure to an AP for at least 80% of the year before LAI initiation. 12,373 patients were included. LAIs were more frequently initiated in men (58.1%), young (18-34 years, 42.0%) and non-compliant (63.7%) patients. LAI initiation was effective in reducing the number and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations and psychiatric emergency department (ED) admissions in non-compliant patients (SMD = -0.19, -0.26 and -0.12, respectively), but not in compliant patients. First-generation LAIs, paliperidone and aripiprazole LAIs reduced psychiatric hospitalizations (SMD = -0.20, -0.24, -0.21, respectively) and ED admissions (SMD = -0.15, -0.13, -0.15, respectively). No differences in effectiveness were found for age or gender. In compliant patients, only aripiprazole LAI reduced the number of psychiatric hospitalizations (SMD = -0.13). Risperidone and paliperidone LAIs increased hospitalization duration (SMD = 0.15 and 0.18, respectively). The prescription of LAIs (except risperidone) should be recommended in all non-compliant patients, even in women and patients aged 35 or older. The lower frequency of administration of LAIs than of oral APs may improve compliance and hence reduce the risk of relapse. Aripiprazole LAI may represent a treatment of choice for compliant patients that should be further investigated.

Short communication: Prevalence of long-acting injectable antipsychotic use in Canadian early intervention services for psychosis

The use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic drugs for psychotic disorders in Canada has been historically low compared to other jurisdictions despite advantages of LAIs in improving medication adherence and preventing relapse. In response, treatment recommendations were developed in 2013 by the Canadian Consortium for Early Intervention in Psychosis and other Canadian provincial expert groups. The impact of these guidelines needed to be assessed. To document practices in LAI use in early intervention services (EIS) for psychosis, Canadian EIS were surveyed in 2016 (n = 18) and 2020 (n = 12). Trends and descriptive information were examined using repeated cross-sectional survey data. Eight EIS responded to surveys at both time points allowing for longitudinal comparisons. Outcomes of interest included i) LAI use frequency, ii) timing of LAI starts, and iii) factors influencing LAI use. Cross-sectional analysis identified a significant increase in overall LAI usage (24.7% in 2016; 35.1% in 2020). Longitudinal analysis indicated that patients in the second program year saw the greatest increase in LAI use between 2016 and 2020 (25.6% vs. 36.1%), especially among patients under community treatment orders (65.5% vs. 81.5%). Results support increases in LAI use over time, accessibility, awareness, and increasing comfortability among Canadian clinicians.

Treatment Retention Rates of 3-monthly Paliperidone Palmitate and Risk Factors Associated with Discontinuation: A Population-based Cohort Study

Objective

Limited evidence exists regarding real-world 3-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP3M) treatment retention and associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, nationwide cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between October 2017 and December 2019. Adult patients with schizophrenia initiated on PP3M were enrolled. The primary outcomes were time to PP3M discontinuation, time to psychiatric hospitalization, and the proportions of patients receiving the next PP3M dose within 120 days among first-, second-, and third-dose completers. Key covariates included prior PP1M duration and adequate PP3M initiation.

Results

The PP3M treatment retention rates were 79.7%, 66.3%, and 52.5% after 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, with 86.4%, 90.6%, and 90.0% of respective first-, second-, and third-dose completers receiving the next PP3M dose. Adequate PP3M initiation and prior PP1M treatment duration > 180 days were associated with favorable PP3M treatment retention. In multivariate analyses, PP1M durations of 180-360 days (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.76) or < 180 days (aRR, 2.79) were associated with PP3M discontinuation at the second dose. Inadequate PP3M initiation was associated with discontinuation at the third dose (aRR, 2.18). Patients fully adherent to PP3M treatment in the first year had a higher probability of being free from psychiatric hospitalization (86.7% at 2 years), compared with those partially adherent or non-adherent to PP3M in the first year.

Conclusion

Prior PP1M duration and adequate PP3M initiation are major factors affecting PP3M treatment retention. Higher PP3M treatment retention is associated with a lower risk of psychiatric hospitalization.