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Campbell EJ, Bonomo Y, Collins L, Norman A, O'Neill H, Streitberg A, Galloway K, Kyoong A, Perkins A, Pastor A, Lawrence AJ. The dual orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant in alcohol use disorder and comorbid insomnia: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8740. [PMID: 38698873 PMCID: PMC11063611 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message This case suggests using dual orexin receptor antagonists to treat alcohol use disorder and comorbid sleep disorders may be effective, commencing treatment in withdrawal and continuing it to prevent relapse. Abstract Effective medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder are limited. This is partially due to the heterogenous nature of the symptomatology associated with alcohol use disorder and the abundance of presenting comorbidities. One common, and often overlooked, symptom that occurs during withdrawal of alcohol use is sleep disruption. Here, we report a case study of a participant with comorbid alcohol use disorder and insomnia. This participant was treated with a dual orexin receptor antagonist, suvorexant (Belsomra®), currently approved to treat insomnia. We demonstrate improvements in alcohol cravings, physical and psychological health, and sleep outcomes with treatment. These data support abundant preclinical and emerging clinical data in this space. The findings from this case report highlight the potential for suvorexant to treat comorbid alcohol use disorder and insomnia with fully powered, randomized controlled trials moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J. Campbell
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Yvonne Bonomo
- Department of Addiction MedicineSt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Lisa Collins
- Department of Addiction MedicineSt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Amanda Norman
- Department of Addiction MedicineSt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Helen O'Neill
- Department of Addiction MedicineSt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Amanda Streitberg
- Department of Addiction MedicineSt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kate Galloway
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep MedicineSt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew Kyoong
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew Perkins
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep MedicineThe Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Adam Pastor
- Department of Addiction MedicineSt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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2
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Aubin HJ. Repurposing drugs for treatment of alcohol use disorder. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 175:153-185. [PMID: 38555115 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Repurposing drugs for the treatment of alcohol dependence involves the use of drugs that were initially developed for other conditions, but have shown promise in reducing alcohol use or preventing relapse. This approach can offer a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to developing new drugs from scratch. Currently approved medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD) include acamprosate, disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene, baclofen, and sodium oxybate. Acamprosate was developed specifically for AUD, while disulfiram's alcohol-deterrent effects were discovered incidentally. Naltrexone and nalmefene were originally approved for opioids but found secondary applications in AUD. Baclofen and sodium oxybate were repurposed from neurological conditions. Other drugs show promise. Topiramate and zonisamide, anticonvulsants, demonstrate efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption. Another anticonvulsant, gabapentin has been disappointing overall, except in cases involving alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Varenicline, a nicotinic receptor agonist, benefits individuals with less severe AUD or concurrent nicotine use. Ondansetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, has potential for early-onset AUD, especially when combined with naltrexone. Antipsychotic drugs like aripiprazole and quetiapine have limited efficacy. Further investigation is needed for potential repurposing of α1 adrenergic receptor antagonists prazosin and doxazosin, glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ibudilast, the cysteine prodrug N-acetylcysteine, and the OX1R and OX2R blocker Suvorexant. This review supports repurposing drugs as an effective strategy for expanding treatment options for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri-Jean Aubin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CESP, Villejuif, France; AP-HP, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.
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3
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Fam M, Campbell S, Leibowitz SF. Embryonic ethanol exposure and optogenetic activation of hypocretin neurons stimulate similar behaviors early in life associated with later alcohol consumption. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3021. [PMID: 38321123 PMCID: PMC10847468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The initiation of alcohol use early in life is one of the strongest predictors of developing a future alcohol use disorder. Clinical studies have identified specific behaviors during early childhood that predict an increased risk for excess alcohol consumption later in life. These behaviors, including increased hyperactivity, anxiety, novelty-seeking, exploratory behavior, impulsivity, and alcohol-seeking, are similarly stimulated in children and adolescent offspring of mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy. Here we tested larval zebrafish in addition to young pre-weanling rats and found this repertoire of early behaviors along with the overconsumption of alcohol during adolescence to be increased by embryonic ethanol exposure. With hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) neurons known to be stimulated by ethanol and involved in mediating these alcohol-related behaviors, we tested their function in larval zebrafish and found optogenetic activation of Hcrt neurons to stimulate these same early alcohol-related behaviors and later alcohol intake, suggesting that these neurons have an important role in producing these behaviors. Together, these results show zebrafish to be an especially useful animal model for investigating the diverse neuronal systems mediating behavioral changes at young ages that are produced by embryonic ethanol exposure and predict an increased risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Samantha Campbell
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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4
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Miranda O, Fan P, Qi X, Wang H, Brannock MD, Kosten T, Ryan ND, Kirisci L, Wang L. Prediction of adverse events risk in patients with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder using electronic medical records by deep learning models. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 255:111066. [PMID: 38217979 PMCID: PMC10853953 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying co-occurring mental disorders and elevated risk is vital for optimization of healthcare processes. In this study, we will use DeepBiomarker2, an updated version of our deep learning model to predict the adverse events among patients with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), a high-risk population. METHODS We analyzed electronic medical records of 5565 patients from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to predict adverse events (opioid use disorder, suicide related events, depression, and death) within 3 months at any encounter after the diagnosis of PTSD+AUD by using DeepBiomarker2. We integrated multimodal information including: lab tests, medications, co-morbidities, individual and neighborhood level social determinants of health (SDoH), psychotherapy and veteran data. RESULTS DeepBiomarker2 achieved an area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) of 0.94 on the prediction of adverse events among those PTSD+AUD patients. Medications such as vilazodone, dronabinol, tenofovir, suvorexant, modafinil, and lamivudine showed potential for risk reduction. SDoH parameters such as cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma focused psychotherapy lowered risk while active veteran status, income segregation, limited access to parks and greenery, low Gini index, limited English-speaking capacity, and younger patients increased risk. CONCLUSIONS Our improved version of DeepBiomarker2 demonstrated its capability of predicting multiple adverse event risk with high accuracy and identifying potential risk and beneficial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Miranda
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Peihao Fan
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Xiguang Qi
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Haohan Wang
- School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | | | - Thomas Kosten
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Neal David Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Levent Kirisci
- University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - LiRong Wang
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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5
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Okuda S, Qureshi ZP, Yanagida Y, Ito C, Homma Y, Tokita S. Factors Associated with Prescriptions for an Orexin Receptor Antagonist Among Japanese Patients with Insomnia: Analysis of a Nationwide Japanese Claims Database. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2023:10.1007/s40801-023-00356-4. [PMID: 36867350 PMCID: PMC9982805 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-023-00356-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the prescribing patterns of orexin receptor antagonists (ORAs) in the real-world clinical setting in Japan. OBJECTIVE We sought to analyze the factors associated with ORA prescriptions for patients with insomnia in Japan. METHODS Outpatients (aged ≥ 20 to < 75 years old) prescribed one or more hypnotic for insomnia between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2020 with continuous enrollment for ≥ 12 months were extracted from the JMDC Claims Database. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors (patient demographics and psychiatric comorbidities) associated with ORA prescription in new or non-new users of hypnotics (patients without or with hypnotics prescription history, respectively). RESULTS Of 58,907 new users, 11,589 (19.7%) were prescribed ORA at the index date. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-1.22) and presence of bipolar disorders (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20-1.55) were associated with greater odds of ORA prescription. Among 88,611 non-new users, 15,504 (17.5%) were prescribed ORA at the index date. Younger age and several psychiatric comorbidities, such as neurocognitive disorders (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.15-2.35), substance use disorders (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.35), bipolar disorders (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.22), schizophrenia spectrum disorders (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14), and anxiety disorders (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10), were associated with greater odds of ORA prescription. CONCLUSION This is the first study to determine the factors associated with ORA prescriptions in Japan. Our findings could help guide appropriate insomnia treatment using ORAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaina P. Qureshi
- Center for Observational and Real-world Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ USA
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6
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Mogavero MP, Silvani A, Lanza G, DelRosso LM, Ferini-Strambi L, Ferri R. Targeting Orexin Receptors for the Treatment of Insomnia: From Physiological Mechanisms to Current Clinical Evidence and Recommendations. Nat Sci Sleep 2023; 15:17-38. [PMID: 36713640 PMCID: PMC9879039 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s201994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
After a detailed description of orexins and their roles in sleep and other medical disorders, we discuss here the current clinical evidence on the effects of dual (DORAs) or selective (SORAs) orexin receptor antagonists on insomnia with the aim to provide recommendations for their further assessment in a context of personalized and precision medicine. In the last decade, many trials have been conducted with orexin receptor antagonists, which represent an innovative and valid therapeutic option based on the multiple mechanisms of action of orexins on different biological circuits, both centrally and peripherally, and their role in a wide range of medical conditions which are often associated with insomnia. A very interesting aspect of this new category of drugs is that they have limited abuse liability and their discontinuation does not seem associated with significant rebound effects. Further studies on the efficacy of DORAs are required, especially on children and adolescents and in particular conditions, such as menopause. Which DORA is most suitable for each patient, based on comorbidities and/or concomitant treatments, should be the focus of further careful research. On the contrary, studies on SORAs, some of which seem to be appropriate also in insomnia in patients with psychiatric diseases, are still at an early stage and, therefore, do not allow to draw definite conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Mogavero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Silvani
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lourdes M DelRosso
- Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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7
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James MH, Aston-Jones G. Orexin Reserve: A Mechanistic Framework for the Role of Orexins (Hypocretins) in Addiction. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:836-844. [PMID: 36328706 PMCID: PMC10184826 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In 2014, we proposed that orexin signaling transformed motivationally relevant states into adaptive behavior directed toward exploiting an opportunity or managing a threat, a process we referred to as motivational activation. Advancements in animal models since then have permitted higher-resolution measurements of motivational states; in particular, the behavioral economics approach for studying drug demand characterizes conditions that lead to the enhanced motivation that underlies addiction. This motivational plasticity is paralleled by persistently increased orexin expression in a topographically specific manner-a finding confirmed across species, including in humans. Normalization of orexin levels also reduces drug motivation in addiction models. These new advancements lead us to update our proposed framework for the orexin function. We now propose that the capacity of orexin neurons to exhibit dynamic shifts in peptide production contributes to their role in adaptive motivational regulation and that this is achieved via a pool of reserve orexin neurons. This reserve is normally bidirectionally recruited to permit motivational plasticity that promotes flexible, adaptive behavior. In pathological states such as addiction, however, we propose that the orexin system loses capacity to adaptively adjust peptide production, resulting in focused hypermotivation for drug, driven by aberrantly and persistently high expression in the orexin reserve pool. This mechanistic framework has implications for the understanding and treatment of several psychiatric disorders beyond addiction, particularly those characterized by motivational dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan H James
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, New Jersey; Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, New Jersey.
| | - Gary Aston-Jones
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, New Jersey; Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, New Jersey.
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8
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Abstract
The hypocretins (Hcrts), also known as orexins, are two neuropeptides produced exclusively in the lateral hypothalamus. They act on two specific receptors that are widely distributed across the brain and involved in a myriad of neurophysiological functions that include sleep, arousal, feeding, reward, fear, anxiety and cognition. Hcrt cell loss in humans leads to narcolepsy with cataplexy (narcolepsy type 1), a disorder characterized by intrusions of sleep into wakefulness, demonstrating that the Hcrt system is nonredundant and essential for sleep/wake stability. The causal link between Hcrts and arousal/wakefulness stabilisation has led to the development of a new class of drugs, Hcrt receptor antagonists to treat insomnia, based on the assumption that blocking orexin-induced arousal will facilitate sleep. This has been clinically validated: currently, two Hcrt receptor antagonists are approved to treat insomnia (suvorexant and lemborexant), with a New Drug Application recently submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration for a third drug (daridorexant). Other therapeutic applications under investigation include reduction of cravings in substance-use disorders and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, given the apparent bidirectional relationship between poor sleep and worsening of the disease. Circuit neuroscience findings suggest that the Hcrt system is a hub that integrates diverse inputs modulating arousal (e.g., circadian rhythms, metabolic status, positive and negative emotions) and conveys this information to multiple output regions. This neuronal architecture explains the wealth of physiological functions associated with Hcrts and highlights the potential of the Hcrt system as a therapeutic target for a number of disorders. We discuss present and future possible applications of drugs targeting the Hcrt system for the treatment of circuit-related neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Jacobson
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Hoyer
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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9
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Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent but severely under-treated disorder, with only three widely-approved pharmacotherapies. Given that AUD is a very heterogeneous disorder, it is unlikely that one single medication will be effective for all individuals with an AUD. As such, there is a need to develop new, more effective, and diverse pharmacological treatment options for AUD with the hopes of increasing utilization and improving care. In this qualitative literature review, we discuss the efficacy, mechanism of action, and tolerability of approved, repurposed, and novel pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD with a clinical perspective. Pharmacotherapies discussed include: disulfiram, acamprosate, naltrexone, nalmefene, topiramate, gabapentin, varenicline, baclofen, sodium oxybate, aripiprazole, ondansetron, mifepristone, ibudilast, suvorexant, prazosin, doxazosin, N-acetylcysteine, GET73, ASP8062, ABT-436, PF-5190457, and cannabidiol. Overall, many repurposed and novel agents discussed in this review demonstrate clinical effectiveness and promise for the future of AUD treatment. Importantly, these medications also offer potential improvements towards the advancement of precision medicine and personalized treatment for the heterogeneous AUD population. However, there remains a great need to improve access to treatment, increase the menu of approved pharmacological treatments, and de-stigmatize and increase treatment-seeking for AUD.
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10
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Matzeu A, Martin-Fardon R. Understanding the Role of Orexin Neuropeptides in Drug Addiction: Preclinical Studies and Translational Value. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:787595. [PMID: 35126069 PMCID: PMC8811192 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.787595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexins (also known as hypocretins) are neuropeptides that participate in the regulation of energy metabolism, homeostasis, sleep, feeding, stress responses, arousal, and reward. Particularly relevant to the scope of the present review is the involvement of the orexin system in brain mechanisms that regulate motivation, especially highly motivated behavior, arousal, and stress, making it an ideal target for studying addiction and discovering treatments. Drug abuse and misuse are thought to induce maladaptive changes in the orexin system, and these changes might promote and maintain uncontrolled drug intake and contribute to relapse. Dysfunctional changes in this neuropeptidergic system that are caused by drug use might also be responsible for alterations of feeding behavior and the sleep-wake cycle that are commonly disrupted in subjects with substance use disorder. Drug addiction has often been associated with an increase in activity of the orexin system, suggesting that orexin receptor antagonists may be a promising pharmacological treatment for substance use disorder. Substantial evidence has shown that single orexin receptor antagonists that are specific to either orexin receptor 1 or 2 can be beneficial against drug intake and relapse. Interest in the efficacy of dual orexin receptor antagonists, which were primarily developed to treat insomnia, has grown in the field of drug addiction. Treatments that target the orexin system may be a promising strategy to reduce drug intake, mitigate relapse vulnerability, and restore “normal” physiological functions, including feeding and sleep. The present review discusses preclinical and clinical evidence of the involvement of orexins in drug addiction and possible beneficial pharmacotherapeutic effects of orexin receptor antagonists to treat substance use disorder.
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11
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Morley KC, Perry CJ, Watt J, Hurzeler T, Leggio L, Lawrence AJ, Haber P. New approved and emerging pharmacological approaches to alcohol use disorder: a review of clinical studies. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1291-1303. [PMID: 33615945 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1892641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
introduction: The number of medications approved for AUD is small and they generally have limited efficacy. We need new pharmacotherapies for the management of AUD.Areas covered: In this review, the authors aim to synthesise literature for new approved and emerging pharmacotherapies for AUD. Recently approved medications include nalmefene, which was approved in Europe and Australia for the purposes of controlled drinking. Baclofen has also been approved in France but not in other countries. Off label medications including topiramate and gabapentin have received significant attention with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses and have widespread use in several countries including the USA. Several novel medications have emerged over the last decade but further work is required to determine their efficacy and safety for the widespread management of AUD.Expert opinion: Despite significant advances in our understanding of the neurobiological basis of factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of AUD, there have been few new AUD medications approved for almost 20 years. There are many challenges to the development and introduction of new pharmacotherapies for AUD. Strategies for improving the translational pipeline include drug repurposing and utilisation of human acute laboratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C Morley
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina J Perry
- University of Melbourne, Mental Health Theme, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joshua Watt
- Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Tristan Hurzeler
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA.,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- University of Melbourne, Mental Health Theme, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia.,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Paul Haber
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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12
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James MH, Fragale JE, O'Connor SL, Zimmer BA, Aston-Jones G. The orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system is a target for novel therapeutics to treat cocaine use disorder with alcohol coabuse. Neuropharmacology 2020; 183:108359. [PMID: 33091458 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 50-90% of individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) also report using alcohol. Cocaine users report coabusing alcohol to 'self-medicate' against the negative emotional side effects of the cocaine 'crash', including the onset of anxiety. Thus, pharmaceutical strategies to treat CUD would ideally reduce the motivational properties of cocaine, alcohol, and their combination, as well as reduce the onset of anxiety during drug withdrawal. The hypothalamic orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system offers a promising target, as orexin neurons are critically involved in activating behavioral and physiological states to respond to both positive and negative motivators. Here, we seek to describe studies demonstrating efficacy of orexin receptor antagonists in reducing cocaine, alcohol- and stress-related behaviors, but note that these studies have largely focused on each of these phenomena in isolation. For orexin-based compounds to be viable in the clinical setting, we argue that it is imperative that their efficacy be tested in animal models that account for polysubstance use patterns. To begin to examine this, we present new data showing that rats' preferred level of cocaine intake is significantly increased following chronic homecage access to alcohol. We also report that cocaine intake and motivation are reduced by a selective orexin-1 receptor antagonist when rats have a history of cocaine + alcohol, but not a limited history of cocaine alone. In light of these proof-of-principle data, we outline what we believe to be the key priorities going forward with respect to further examining the orexin system in models of polysubstance use. This article is part of the special issue on Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan H James
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer E Fragale
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Shayna L O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Benjamin A Zimmer
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Gary Aston-Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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13
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Neylan TC, Richards A, Metzler TJ, Ruoff LM, Varbel J, O’Donovan A, Sivasubramanian M, Motraghi T, Hlavin J, Batki SL, Inslicht SS, Samuelson K, Morairty SR, Kilduff TS. Acute cognitive effects of the hypocretin receptor antagonist almorexant relative to zolpidem and placebo: a randomized clinical trial. Sleep 2020; 43:zsaa080. [PMID: 32303763 PMCID: PMC7551303 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Hypnotic medications can adversely affect behavior during unanticipated awakenings during the night. Animals treated with the hypocretin (Hcrt) receptor antagonist almorexant (ALM) have less acute cognitive impairment compared to the GABAA receptor modulator zolpidem (ZOL). This study aimed to determine whether ALM produces less acute cognitive impairment than ZOL in human subjects. METHODS Healthy, young adult, unmedicated male and female subjects participated in a controlled trial of a single dose of ALM 100 mg (N = 48), ALM 200 mg (N = 53), ZOL 10 mg (N = 49), and placebo (PBO, N = 52). RESULTS ZOL and both doses of ALM produced similar levels of subjective sleepiness and impaired the ability of subjects to remain awake in a dark, low-stimulus setting relative to PBO. For most cognitive measures, performance under ZOL was significantly worse than ALM or PBO. For tasks involving verbal memory or visual-motor coordination, ZOL impaired performance, whereas the two doses of ALM were no different than PBO. For tasks involving higher-order executive function, ZOL produced impairment in processing speed and inhibitory control, whereas the two doses of ALM were no different than PBO. Performance decrements for ALM were less than ZOL but greater than PBO for some reaction time measures. CONCLUSIONS The data provide support for the hypothesis that Hcrt receptor antagonists produce less functional impairment than a benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BzRA). These observations are particularly relevant to patients treated with sedative-hypnotics who are at elevated risk for falls and other untoward events during the intended hours for sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Neylan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Anne Richards
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Thomas J Metzler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Leslie M Ruoff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jonathan Varbel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Aoife O’Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Melinda Sivasubramanian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Terri Motraghi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jennifer Hlavin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Steven L Batki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Sabra S Inslicht
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Kristin Samuelson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Educational and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO
| | - Stephen R Morairty
- Center for Neuroscience, Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Thomas S Kilduff
- Center for Neuroscience, Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
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14
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The role of neuropeptides in drug and ethanol abuse: Medication targets for drug and alcohol use disorders. Brain Res 2020; 1740:146876. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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15
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Targeting the Orexin System for Prescription Opioid Use Disorder. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040226. [PMID: 32290110 PMCID: PMC7225970 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prescription opioids are potent analgesics that are used for clinical pain management. However, the nonmedical use of these medications has emerged as a major concern because of dramatic increases in abuse and overdose. Therefore, effective strategies to prevent prescription opioid use disorder are urgently needed. The orexin system has been implicated in the regulation of motivation, arousal, and stress, making this system a promising target for the treatment of substance use disorder. This review discusses recent preclinical studies that suggest that orexin receptor blockade could be beneficial for the treatment of prescription opioid use disorder.
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