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Crump CJ, Abuelazm H, Ibrahim K, Shah S, El-Mallakh RS. An overview of the efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents. Expert Rev Neurother 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38864423 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2367695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chesika J Crump
- Mood Disorders Research Program, Depression Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Hagar Abuelazm
- Mood Disorders Research Program, Depression Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kirolos Ibrahim
- Mood Disorders Research Program, Depression Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Shaishav Shah
- Mood Disorders Research Program, Depression Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rif S El-Mallakh
- Mood Disorders Research Program, Depression Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Nakagome K, Tachimori H, Endo S, Murakami K, Azekawa T, Hongo S, Niidome K, Kojima Y, Yamada S, Oi H, Sumiyoshi T. A multicenter, single-arm, open-label interventional study of adherence to brexpiprazole during switching from previous antipsychotic drugs in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024; 44:187-196. [PMID: 38253334 PMCID: PMC10932803 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12416] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The rate of medication persistence was examined in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder during switching from previously administered antipsychotics to brexpiprazole, a new dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist. A multicenter, single-arm, open-label 24-week interventional study was conducted, consisting of two 12-week consecutive periods: an initial switch (by plateau cross-titration) with the subsequent period, followed by a second maintenance period. Prior antipsychotics were olanzapine or risperidone/paliperidone. The primary and secondary outcome measures were medication persistence rates after the first 12 weeks and changes from baseline in the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale (SLOF), Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptic drug treatment Short form (SWNS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores, respectively. In total, 79 patients were administered brexpiprazole and the medication persistence rate at 12 weeks was 78.5%, which was significantly higher than the predefined threshold of 65%. Regarding the prior medication, the persistence rate at 12 weeks was 84.6% for olanzapine and 72.5% for risperidone/paliperidone. Significant improvements from baseline were observed in the SLOF, SWNS, and PANSS scores. There were no adverse events of concern. Thus, brexpiprazole appeared to be a suitable antipsychotic on switching from olanzapine, risperidone, or paliperidone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Nakagome
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisateru Tachimori
- Department of Clinical Data Science, Clinical Research & Education Promotion Division, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiro Endo
- Fujimidai Hospital, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Seiji Hongo
- Ichigaya Himorogi Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
- Nanko Kokorono Clinic, Shirakawa-shi, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | | | - Sakiko Yamada
- Medical Affairs, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Oi
- Department of Clinical Data Science, Clinical Research & Education Promotion Division, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomiki Sumiyoshi
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
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Carpenter JS, Zmicerevska N, Crouse JJ, Nichles A, Garland A, Song YJC, Wilson C, Rohleder C, McHugh C, Leweke FM, Koethe D, Scott EM, Hickie IB. Effects of adjunctive brexpiprazole on sleep-wake and circadian parameters in youth with depressive disorders: study protocol for a clinical trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056298. [PMID: 36691133 PMCID: PMC9454051 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleep-wake and circadian disturbance is a key feature of mood disorders with a potential causal role and particular relevance to young people. Brexpiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic medication with demonstrated efficacy as an adjunct to antidepressant treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, with preliminary evidence suggesting greater effectiveness in subgroups of depressed patients with sleep disturbances. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the relationships between changes in sleep-wake and circadian parameters and changes in depressive symptoms following adjunctive brexpiprazole treatment in young adults with MDD and sleep-wake disturbance. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is designed as a 16 week (8 weeks active treatment, 8 weeks follow-up) mechanistic, open-label, single-arm, phase IV clinical trial and aims to recruit 50 young people aged 18-30 with MDD and sleep-wake cycle disturbance through an early intervention youth mental health clinic in Sydney, Australia. At baseline, participants will undergo multidimensional outcome assessment and subsequently receive 8 weeks of open-label treatment with brexpiprazole as adjunctive to their stable psychotropic medication. Following 4 weeks of treatment, clinical and self-report measures will be repeated. Ambulatory sleep-wake monitoring will be conducted continuously for the duration of treatment. After 8 weeks of treatment, all multidimensional outcome assessments will be repeated. Follow-up visits will be conducted 4 and 8 weeks after trial completion (including sleep-wake, clinical and self-report assessments). Circadian rhythm biomarkers including salivary melatonin, cortisol and core body temperature will be collected during an in-lab assessment. Additionally, metabolic, inflammatory and genetic risk markers will be collected at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Sydney Local Health District (X19-0417 and 2019/ETH12986, Protocol Version 1-3, dated 25 February 2021). The results of this study, in deidentified form, will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly book chapters, presentation at conferences and publication in conference proceedings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12619001456145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne S Carpenter
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalia Zmicerevska
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacob J Crouse
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alissa Nichles
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Garland
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yun Ju Christine Song
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chloe Wilson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cathrin Rohleder
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine McHugh
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - F Markus Leweke
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dagmar Koethe
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth M Scott
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Notre Dame Australia School of Medicine Sydney Campus, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Fukuyama K, Motomura E, Okada M. Brexpiprazole Reduces 5-HT7 Receptor Function on Astroglial Transmission Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126571. [PMID: 35743014 PMCID: PMC9223571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several atypical antipsychotics exert mood-stabilising effects via the modulation of various monoamine receptors and intracellular signallings. Recent pharmacodynamic studies suggested that tripartite synaptic transmission can contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and mood disorders, their associated cognitive impairment, and several adverse reactions to atypical antipsychotics. Therefore, to explore the mechanisms underlying the antidepressive mood-stabilising and antipsychotic effects of brexpiprazole (Brex), we determined the effects of subchronic administration of therapeutically relevant concentrations/doses of Brex on the protein expression of 5-HT receptors, connexin43, cAMP levels, and intracellular signalling in cultured astrocytes and rat hypothalamus using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry and capillary immunoblotting systems. Subchronic administration of a therapeutically relevant concentration of Brex (300 nM) downregulated both 5-HT1A (5-HT1AR) and 5-HT7 (5-HT7R) receptors, in addition to phosphorylated Erk (pErk), without affecting phosphorylated Akt in the astroglial plasma membrane. Subchronic administration of 300 nM Brex decreased and increased phosphorylated AMPK and connexin43, respectively, in the astroglial cytosol fraction. A therapeutically relevant concentration of Brex acutely decreased the astroglial cAMP level, whereas, under the inhibition of 5-HT1AR, Brex did not affect astroglial cAMP levels. However, the 5-HT7R-agonist-induced increased astroglial cAMP level was inhibited by Brex. In contrast to the in vitro study, systemic subchronic administration of effective doses of Brex (3 and 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days) increased the cAMP level but did not affect phosphorylated AMPK in the rat hypothalamus. These results suggest several complicated pharmacological features of Brex. Partial 5-HT1AR agonistic action predominates in the low range of therapeutically relevant concentrations of Brex, whereas in the high range, 5-HT7R inverse agonist-like action is overlapped on the 5-HT1A agonistic action. These unique suppressive effects of Brex on 5-HT7R play important roles in the clinical features of Brex regarding its antidepressive mood-stabilising actions.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Over the last ten years, the treatment of psychosis has seen a near explosion of creative development in both novel agents and new delivery modalities. The current review summarizes these developments over the past decade (2011-2020). We performed a systematic review utilizing PubMed and PsychInfo with the aim of identifying all the RCT and related analyses in adults with psychosis (schizophrenia and mania). RECENT FINDINGS We identified 11 significant developments: the introduction of new antipsychotics cariprazine, brexpiprazole, lumateperone, and pimavanserin; introduction of new delivery methods: subcutaneous long-acting risperidone, aripiprazole lauroxil, transdermal asenapine, and inhaled loxapine; and the introduction of new approaches such as olanzapine/samidorphan for olanzapine-associated weight gain, examination of the TAAR1 agonist SEP 363,856 as a test of concept, and the combination of Xanomeline/Trospium, an M1 and M4 muscarinic receptor agonist in conjunction with a peripheral anticholinergic. Last decade has seen a tremendous development in second-generation antipsychotics which provides unprecedented treatment options for clinicians in treating psychosis.
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Brexpiprazole blocks post-traumatic stress disorder-like memory while promoting normal fear memory. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3018-3033. [PMID: 32814812 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0852-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A cardinal feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a long-lasting paradoxical alteration of memory with hypermnesia for salient traumatic cues and amnesia for peri-traumatic contextual cues. So far, pharmacological therapeutic approach of this stress-related disorder is poorly developed mainly because of the lack of animal model for this paradoxical memory alteration. Using a model that precisely recapitulates the two memory components of PTSD in mice, we tested if brexpiprazole, a new antipsychotic drug with pro-cognitive effects in rodents, may persistently prevent the expression of PTSD-like memory induced by injection of corticosterone immediately after fear conditioning. Acute administration of brexpiprazole (0.3 mg/kg) 7 days' post-trauma first blocks the expression of the maladaptive fear memory for a salient but irrelevant trauma-related cue. In addition, it enhances (with superior efficacy when compared to diazepam, prazosin, and escitalopram) memory for the traumatic context, correct predictor of the threat. This beneficial effect of brexpiprazole is overall maintained 1 week after treatment. In contrast brexpiprazole fully spares normal/adaptive cued fear memory, showing that the effect of this drug is specific to an abnormal/maladaptive (PTSD-like) fear memory of a salient cue. Finally, this treatment not only promotes the switch from PTSD-like to normal fear memory, but also normalizes most of the alterations in the hippocampal-amygdalar network activation associated with PTSD-like memory, as measured by C-Fos expression. Altogether, these preclinical data indicate that brexpiprazole could represent a new pharmacological treatment of PTSD promoting the normalization of traumatic memory.
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Thakkar D, Sahu AK, Rathod R, Sengupta P, Kate AS. Investigation of the impact of grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice and tomato juice on pharmacokinetics of brexpiprazole in rats using UHPLC-QTOF-MS. Biomed Chromatogr 2021; 35:e5201. [PMID: 34148241 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Brexpiprazole (BRX) is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorders and it is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Grapefruit juice (GFJ), pomegranate juice (PJ) and tomato juice (TJ) have the potential to inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes in the body. However, fruit juice-drug interactions between BRX and GFJ, PJ and TJ have not been studied extensively. The present study describes the influence of GFJ, PJ and TJ on the pharmacokinetic parameters of BRX in rats. The study samples were analyzed using a mass-accurate and single-step bioanalytical method by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry over a wide calibration range of 20-1,500 ng/ml. The results of the pharmacokinetic study denoted that the combined administration of GFJ and PJ could increase systemic exposure of BRX. The area under the curve of BRX increased 3.43- and 1.88-fold with co-administration of GFJ and PJ, respectively, while TJ with BRX had no effect on the area under the curve. Time to peak concentration and half-life were not significantly changed by any juice co-administration. The results show that GFJ and PJ affect the pharmacokinetic profile of BRX and hence advice needs to be given to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disha Thakkar
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Amit Kumar Sahu
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Rajeshwari Rathod
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Pinaki Sengupta
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Abhijeet S Kate
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, An Institute of National Importance, Government of India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
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Chang CY, Luo DZ, Pei JC, Kuo MC, Hsieh YC, Lai WS. Not Just a Bystander: The Emerging Role of Astrocytes and Research Tools in Studying Cognitive Dysfunctions in Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105343. [PMID: 34069523 PMCID: PMC8160762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is one of the core symptoms in schizophrenia, and it is predictive of functional outcomes and therefore useful for treatment targets. Rather than improving cognitive deficits, currently available antipsychotics mainly focus on positive symptoms, targeting dopaminergic/serotoninergic neurons and receptors in the brain. Apart from investigating the neural mechanisms underlying schizophrenia, emerging evidence indicates the importance of glial cells in brain structure development and their involvement in cognitive functions. Although the etiopathology of astrocytes in schizophrenia remains unclear, accumulated evidence reveals that alterations in gene expression and astrocyte products have been reported in schizophrenic patients. To further investigate the role of astrocytes in schizophrenia, we highlighted recent progress in the investigation of the effect of astrocytes on abnormalities in glutamate transmission and impairments in the blood–brain barrier. Recent advances in animal models and behavioral methods were introduced to examine schizophrenia-related cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. We also highlighted several experimental tools that further elucidate the role of astrocytes. Instead of focusing on schizophrenia as a neuron-specific disorder, an additional astrocytic perspective provides novel and promising insight into its causal mechanisms and treatment. The involvement of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other brain disorders is worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yuan Chang
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Da-Zhong Luo
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Ju-Chun Pei
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Ming-Che Kuo
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Wen-Sung Lai
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-3366-3112; Fax: +886-2-3362-9909
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Kikuchi T, Maeda K, Suzuki M, Hirose T, Futamura T, McQuade RD. Discovery research and development history of the dopamine D 2 receptor partial agonists, aripiprazole and brexpiprazole. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:134-143. [PMID: 33960741 PMCID: PMC8340839 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. successfully developed the first dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist approved for schizophrenia, the antipsychotic aripiprazole (Abilify®). The drug was approved for this indication in the United States in 2002 and has received approval in the United States, Europe, Japan, and many other countries for several indications including schizophrenia, acute mania, adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette's disorder. Otsuka next developed brexpiprazole (Rexulti®), another D2 receptor partial agonist, which was granted marketing approval in the United States in 2015 as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia. In Japan, brexpiprazole also received approval as a treatment for schizophrenia in 2018. In this review, we describe Otsuka's research history and achievements over the preceding 40 years in the area of antipsychotic drug discovery for dopamine D2 receptor partial agonists. “Dopamine‐system stabilizer” activity of aripiprazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Kikuchi
- New Drug Research Division, Pharmaceutical Business Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Maeda
- Department of Lead Discovery Research, New Drug Research Division, Pharmaceutical Business Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Mikio Suzuki
- Department of CNS Research, New Drug Research Division, Pharmaceutical Business Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirose
- New Drug Research Division, Pharmaceutical Business Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Futamura
- Department of CNS Research, New Drug Research Division, Pharmaceutical Business Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Robert D McQuade
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA
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Abstract
Aripiprazole, brexpiprazole and cariprazine differ from all other second-generation antipsychotics due to partial agonism at the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors. In contrast to aripiprazole, brexpiprazole has lower intrinsic dopamine D2 activity and higher affinity for the serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, while cariprazine has the highest affinity for the dopamine D3 receptor, and the longest half-life. The main adverse effect of dopamine receptor partial agonists (DRPAs) is akathisia of low-to-moderate severity, which occurs in a small proportion of patients, usually in the first few weeks of treatment. While definitive conclusions concerning differences between the DRPAs require head-to-head comparison studies, on the available evidence, akathisia is probably least likely to occur with brexpiprazole and most likely with cariprazine; the risk of akathisia with aripiprazole lies in between. Weight-gain risk is low with aripiprazole and cariprazine, but moderate with brexpiprazole. Risk of sedation is low with DRPAs, as is risk of insomnia and nausea. Partial dopamine agonism leads to a low risk for hyperprolactinaemia (and probably a low risk of sexual dysfunction). Prolactin concentrations fall in some patients (particularly those with elevated levels prior to initiating the drugs). Rates of discontinuation due to adverse effects in pivotal studies were low, and on the whole, DRPAs are well tolerated. Aripiprazole has been implicated in pathological gambling and other impulse control behaviours, likely due to partial dopamine agonist activity (there have been no reports with brexpiprazole and cariprazine). The risks for diabetes and tardive dyskinesia with DRPAs are unknown, but are likely to be low. On the basis of tolerability, DRPAs should be considered as first-line treatment options, particularly in patients with early schizophrenia.
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Azorin JM, Simon N. Dopamine Receptor Partial Agonists for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Drugs 2020; 79:1657-1677. [PMID: 31468317 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder is a chronic, disabling, and costly illness with frequent relapses and recurrences, high rates of co-morbid conditions, and poor adherence to treatment. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are the cornerstones of treatment. Dopamine receptor partial agonists are a novel class of antipsychotic agents with original pharmacodynamic properties. Among them, two have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole (oral formulation) has been approved as monotherapy for the treatment of manic/mixed episodes in adult and pediatric populations and for maintenance treatment in adults, and as adjunctive treatment to mood stabilizers, for the acute treatment of manic/mixed episodes and for maintenance in adults. An intramuscular formulation of aripiprazole has been approved for the treatment of agitation in mania and a long-acting injectable formulation has been approved as maintenance treatment. In the USA, cariprazine has been approved as monotherapy for the acute treatment of manic/mixed as well as bipolar depressive episodes. Brexpiprazole is not yet approved to treat bipolar disorder. The evidence supporting these indications is reviewed via an analysis of clinical registration trials as well as additional studies, on the basis of a systematic literature search. Further studies dealing with other aspects of bipolar illness are also presented. Aripiprazole and cariprazine are efficacious and generally well tolerated agents that have shown cost effectiveness, and may therefore enrich our therapeutic armamentarium for bipolar illness. Brexpiprazole, which displays an overall promising tolerability profile, deserves further efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Azorin
- Department of Psychiatry, Sainte Marguerite Hospital, 13009, Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Simon
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, CAP, Marseille, France
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Geerts H, Spiros A. Learning from amyloid trials in Alzheimer's disease. A virtual patient analysis using a quantitative systems pharmacology approach. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:862-872. [PMID: 32255562 PMCID: PMC7983876 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many trials of amyloid-modulating agents fail to improve cognitive outcome in Alzheimer's disease despite substantial reduction of amyloid β levels. METHODS We applied a mechanism-based Quantitative Systems Pharmacology model exploring the pharmacodynamic interactions of apolipoprotein E (APOE), Catechol -O -methyl Transferase (COMTVal158Met), and 5-HT transporter (5-HTTLPR) rs25531 genotypes and aducanumab. RESULTS The model predicts large clinical variability. Anticipated placebo differences on Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS)-COG in the aducanumab ENGAGE and EMERGE ranged from 0.77 worsening to 1.56 points improvement, depending on the genotype-comedication combination. 5-HTTLPR L/L subjects are found to be the most resilient. Virtual patient simulations suggest improvements over placebo between 4% and 20% at the 10 mg/kg dose, depending on the imbalance of the 5-HTTLPR genotype and exposure. In the Phase II PRIME trial, maximal anticipated placebo difference at 10 mg/kg ranges from 0.3 worsening to 5.3 points improvement. DISCUSSION These virtual patient simulations, once validated against clinical data, could lead to better informed future clinical trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Geerts
- In-Silico Biosciences, Certara-QSP, Berwyn, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Athan Spiros
- In-Silico Biosciences, Certara-QSP, Berwyn, Pennsylvania, USA
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Association between previous high-dose antipsychotic therapy and brexpiprazole discontinuation after the initiation of brexpiprazole in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2020; 35:98-104. [PMID: 31743231 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with brexpiprazole discontinuation after initiating brexpiprazole in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. All patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were started on brexpiprazole in our institution between May 2018 and April 2019 were retrospectively screened. The continuation rate of brexpiprazole during a follow-up period of 16 weeks was examined. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of brexpiprazole discontinuation. During the follow-up period, 52 out of 120 patients (43.4%) discontinued brexpiprazole. Thirty-three subjects discontinued due to a lack of efficacy, eight more due to intolerability and a further 11 for other reasons. The continuation rate of brexpiprazole among patients who were previously on high-dose antipsychotics (chlorpromazine-equivalent doses > 800 mg) was significantly lower than that in those who were previously on low-dose antipsychotics (chlorpromazine-equivalent doses ≤ 800 mg). The Cox regression analysis showed that only having been subject to a high dose of their previous antipsychotics was independently associated with an increased risk of brexpiprazole discontinuation (P < 0.001). Patients who were previously on high-dose antipsychotics discontinued brexpiprazole mainly due to inefficacy. Previous high-dose antipsychotic therapy is an independent risk factor for brexpiprazole discontinuation in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
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Inada K, Yamada S, Akiyoshi H, Kojima Y, Iwashita S, Ishigooka J. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Brexpiprazole in Elderly Japanese Patients with Schizophrenia: A Subgroup Analysis of an Open-Label Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2267-2275. [PMID: 33116525 PMCID: PMC7547788 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s265173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was performed to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brexpiprazole in elderly Japanese patients with schizophrenia. METHODS This is a post hoc analysis of a previous open-label study conducted over 56 weeks which consisted of two consecutive phases: a 4-week switching period and a 52-week open-label period. Mean change in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, response rates, number and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and other safety parameters were analyzed using descriptive statistics based on age group (elderly, ≥65 and non-elderly, <65). RESULTS This post hoc analysis included 208 de novo patients of which 33 were elderly. The continuation rate in elderly patients was 54.5%, and the mean daily dose and treatment duration of brexpiprazole in elderly patients at week 56 were similar to those of non-elderly patients. The mean change in the PANSS total score from the baseline to week 56 was -13.8 in elderly patients and this improvement was maintained throughout the open-label phase. This outcome was comparable to that of the non-elderly patients (-9.0). The incidence rate of TEAEs was 97.0% in elderly patients and 82.3% in non-elderly patients. Most of the TEAEs were either mild (75.8%) or moderate (18.2%) in severity in the elderly patients and the incidence of TEAEs leading to discontinuation was lower in elderly (9.1%) than in non-elderly patients (13.1%). The most commonly observed adverse events in elderly patients were nasopharyngitis (30.3%) and worsening of schizophrenia (27.3%). The safety profiles in both groups were similar. CONCLUSION Brexpiprazole was shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of elderly Japanese patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Inada
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakiko Yamada
- Department of Medical Affairs, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisashi Akiyoshi
- Department of Medical Affairs, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Kojima
- Department of Medical Affairs, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Iwashita
- Headquarters of Clinical Development, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
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Mallet J, Gorwood P, Le Strat Y, Dubertret C. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Schizophrenia- Addressing Unmet Needs With Partial Agonists at the D2 Receptor: A Review. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:651-664. [PMID: 31406978 PMCID: PMC6822140 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Second-generation antipsychotics are common candidates for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, unmet needs remain in the treatment of both disorders. Considering schizophrenia, antipsychotics are the most common treatment and have demonstrated good efficacy. Still, side effects of these treatments are commonly reported and may impact adherence to the medication and functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Regarding major depressive disorder, despite the availability of several classes of antidepressants, many patients do not achieve remission. Adjunctive treatment with antipsychotics may improve clinical and functional outcomes. Compared with dopamine D2 receptor antagonism that is exhibited by most antipsychotics, partial agonism may result in improved outcomes in major depressive disorder and in schizophrenia. Aripiprazole, cariprazine, and brexpiprazole have partial agonism at the dopamine D2 receptor and could potentially overcome limitations associated with D2 antagonism. The objectives of this review were (1) to discuss the goal of treatment with second-generation antipsychotics in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, and the clinical factors that should be considered, and (2) to examine the short- and long-term existing data on the efficacy and safety of D2 receptor partial agonists (aripiprazole, cariprazine, and brexpiprazole) in the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder and in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Mallet
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP), France,Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Louis Mourier; Paris Diderot University, France
| | - Philip Gorwood
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP), France,GHU Paris, CMME, Sainte-Anne hospital; University of Paris, France,Correspondence: Professor Philip Gorwood, MD, PhD, CMME, GHU Paris Psychiatrie, 100 rue de la Sante, 75014 Paris, France ()
| | - Yann Le Strat
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP), France,Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Louis Mourier; Paris Diderot University, France
| | - Caroline Dubertret
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP), France,Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Louis Mourier; Paris Diderot University, France
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Thakkar D, Kate AS. In silico, in vitro and in vivo metabolite identification of brexpiprazole using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2019; 33:1024-1035. [PMID: 30889624 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Brexpiprazole is a novel serotonin-dopamine activity modulator approved by the USFDA in July 2015 for the treatment of schizophrenia and as an adjunctive therapy with other antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults. However, limited numbers of metabolites are reported in the literature for brexpiprazole. Our prime intent behind this study is to revisit metabolite profiling of brexpiprazole and to identify and characterize all possible in vitro and in vivo metabolites. METHODS Firstly, the site of metabolism for brexpiprazole was predicted by a Xenosite web predictor model. Secondly, in vitro metabolite profiling was performed by incubating the drug individually with rat liver microsomes, human liver microsomes and rat S9 fraction at 37°C for 1 h in incubator shaker. Finally, for in vivo metabolite identification, a 50 mg kg-1 dose of brexpiprazole was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats and the presence of various metabolites was confirmed in rat plasma, urine and feces. RESULTS The predicted atomic site of metabolism was obtained as a color gradient by the Xenosite web predictor tool and, from this study, probable metabolites were listed. In total, 14 phase I and 2 phase II metabolites were identified and characterized in the in vitro and in vivo matrices using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF-MS/MS). The majority of metabolites were found in the sample incubated with human liver microsomes and in rat urine, while in the other matrices only a few metabolites were detected. CONCLUSIONS All the 16 metabolites were identified and characterized using UHPLC/QTOF-MS/MS. The study revealed that brexpiprazole is metabolized via hydroxylation, glucuronidation, S-oxidation, N-oxidation, dioxidation, oxidative deamination, N-dealkylation, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disha Thakkar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India
| | - Abhijeet S Kate
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India
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Ward K, Citrome L. Brexpiprazole for the maintenance treatment of adults with schizophrenia: an evidence-based review and place in therapy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:247-257. [PMID: 30697049 PMCID: PMC6339638 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s169369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe the available data for brexpiprazole in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. This objective was completed by searching the databases PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify relevant study results presented as papers or abstracts. In summary, brexpiprazole is a new agent in the D2 partial agonist class that has a unique receptor-binding profile, based in part on high affinity for serotonin 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors, paired with lower intrinsic activity at dopamine D2 receptors. The average dose used in efficacy and safety studies for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia ranged from 3.0 and 3.1 mg in the open-label safety studies to 3.6 mg in the double-blind randomized relapse-prevention study. Highlights from the 52-week double-blind placebo-controlled relapse-prevention trial evidenced rates of relapse in the brexpiprazole group of 13.5% vs 38.5% in the placebo group (number needed to treat 4, 95% CI 3-8; P<0.0001). Safety data indicate that brexpiprazole is tolerated well, with rates of discontinuation due to treatment-emergent adverse events that ranged from 5.2% of those taking brexpiprazole in the double-blind maintenance phase of the relapse-prevention trial to 15.3% in a 52-week open-label safety study. In the available trials, there were relatively low rates of akathisia, and the degree of weight gain was similar to that seen in studies with aripiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores also remained relatively stable in the open-label safety studies. Available data indicate that brexpiprazole is an effective agent for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia that is overall well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Ward
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leslie Citrome
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA,
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Hobart M, Zhang P, Skuban A, Brewer C, Hefting N, Sanchez R, McQuade RD. A Long-Term, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Brexpiprazole as Adjunctive Therapy in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2019; 39:203-209. [PMID: 30946704 PMCID: PMC6494030 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term treatment is recommended in major depressive disorder (MDD) to prevent relapse and to restore functioning. The aim of this study (Orion; NCT01360866) was to assess the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of open-label treatment with adjunctive brexpiprazole in adult patients with MDD. METHODS Patients rolled over into this 52-week study (amended to 26 weeks) from 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Patients received brexpiprazole 0.5 to 3 mg/d (flexible dose) adjunct to their current antidepressant treatment. The primary outcome variable was the frequency and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Efficacy was assessed as a secondary objective using clinical rating scales. RESULTS A total of 2944 patients were enrolled (1547 for 52 weeks, 1397 for 26 weeks), of whom 1895 (64.4%) completed the study. The TEAEs with incidence of 5% or greater were weight increase (17.7%), somnolence (8.0%), headache (7.2%), akathisia (6.7%), increased appetite (6.3%), insomnia (6.3%), fatigue (6.1%), viral upper respiratory tract infection (5.4%), and anxiety (5.2%). Most TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. The mean increase in body weight was 2.7 kg to week 26 and 3.2 kg to week 52; 25.8% of patients had a weight increase of 7% or greater at any postbaseline visit. There were no clinically relevant findings related to extrapyramidal symptoms, prolactin, lipids, or glucose. Patients' symptoms and functioning showed continual improvement. CONCLUSIONS Adjunctive treatment with open-label brexpiprazole 0.5 to 3 mg/d was generally well tolerated for up to 52 weeks in patients with MDD and was associated with continued improvement in efficacy measures and functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hobart
- From the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc, Princeton, NJ; and
| | - Peter Zhang
- From the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc, Princeton, NJ; and
| | - Aleksandar Skuban
- From the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc, Princeton, NJ; and
| | - Claudette Brewer
- From the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc, Princeton, NJ; and
| | | | - Raymond Sanchez
- From the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc, Princeton, NJ; and
| | - Robert D. McQuade
- From the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc, Princeton, NJ; and
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperprolactinemia is an undesirable effect of most antipsychotics because of D2-receptor blockade. We assessed the effect of the D2-receptor partial agonist brexpiprazole on prolactin, based on pooled data from three 6-week, randomized, placebo-controlled studies and two open-label extension studies in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS In the short-term studies, patients received 0.25, 1, 2, 4 mg brexpiprazole or placebo; or flexible-dose brexpiprazole (2-4 mg/d), placebo, or active reference. The extension studies were 52-week, flexible-dose (1-4 mg/d) studies. We studied changes from baseline and shifts in prolactin status in patients with normal or elevated prolactin levels at baseline, and prolactin-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS Median changes from baseline to week 6 in brexpiprazole-treated patients in short-term studies were as follows: 3.63 ng/mL (females), 0.26 ng/mL (males); placebo: -2.15 ng/mL (females), -1.08 ng/mL (males).Median changes from baseline to week 52 in long-term studies were 0.60 ng/mL (females) and 0.18 ng/mL (males). Prolactin levels in patients with baseline values greater than 1× upper limit of normal tended to decrease over time regardless of previous treatment.The proportions of brexpiprazole-treated patients with greater than 3× upper limit of normal postbaseline prolactin values in short-term studies were as follows: 1.5% (females), 1.6% (males); placebo: 3.6% (females), 3.4% (males). Corresponding figures in long-term studies were 5.3% (females) and 2.0% (males).In short-term studies, the incidence of prolactin-related TEAEs was 1.8% for brexpiprazole and 0.6% for placebo. In long-term studies, the incidence of prolactin-related TEAEs was 1.7%. CONCLUSIONS Small changes in prolactin levels, low proportions of patients with postbaseline elevated prolactin values, and low incidence of prolactin-related TEAEs were observed after treatment with brexpiprazole.
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Mauri MC, Paletta S, Di Pace C, Reggiori A, Cirnigliaro G, Valli I, Altamura AC. Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update. Clin Pharmacokinet 2018; 57:1493-1528. [DOI: 10.1007/s40262-018-0664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Kishi T, Oya K, Matsui Y, Nomura I, Sakuma K, Okuya M, Matsuda Y, Fujita K, Funahashi T, Yoshimura R, Iwata N. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of 4 and 2 mg/day brexpiprazole for acute schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:2519-2530. [PMID: 30319261 PMCID: PMC6171755 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s176676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole 4 mg/day (B4) and 2 mg/day (B2) for treating acute schizophrenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed three categorical meta-analyses (B4 vs placebo, B2 vs placebo, and B4 vs B2) of double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials (DBRCTs) that reported improvements in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores, response rate, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement and Severity (CGI-I and CGI-S) scores, discontinuation rate, and incidence of individual adverse events. RESULTS We identified three DBRCTs with 1,444 patients. Both B4 and B2 were superior to placebo for PANSS total score (B4: standardized mean difference [SMD] =-0.30, 95% CI =-0.43, -0.17; B2: SMD =-0.30, 95% CI =-0.46, -0.13), PANSS negative score, response rate, CGI-S score, and CGI-I score. B2, but not B4, was superior to placebo for the PANSS positive score. However, there was considerable heterogeneity in the meta-analysis for B4's PANSS positive score, which disappeared after excluding a 2018 Japanese study from the meta-analysis that included more patients on a high-dose antipsychotic prior to their participation. A meta-analysis that excluded the data from the abovementioned patients showed B4 to be superior to the placebo in terms of the PANSS positive score (SMD =-0.22, 95% CI =-0.40, -0.03). B2, but not B4, was associated with a lower incidence of all-cause discontinuation compared with placebo. Both B4 and B2 were superior to placebo for discontinuation due to adverse events and schizophrenia, but both were associated with a higher incidence of weight gain compared with placebo. B4 was also associated with a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms than B2. CONCLUSION Both B4 and B2 benefitted patients with schizophrenia, particularly those who were not previously on high-dose antipsychotics. Both the regimens were well-tolerated, but carried a risk of weight gain and extrapyramidal symptoms, although the latter risk was higher for B4 than B2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Kishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan,
| | - Kazuto Oya
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan,
| | - Yuki Matsui
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan, .,Department of Psychiatry, Jindai Hospital, Toyota, Aichi 470-0361, Japan
| | - Ikuo Nomura
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan,
| | - Kenji Sakuma
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan,
| | - Makoto Okuya
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan,
| | - Yuki Matsuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo105-8461, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Fujita
- Department of Psychiatry, Okehazama hospital, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1168, Japan
| | | | - Reiji Yoshimura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan
| | - Nakao Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan,
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van den Munkhof HE, Arnt J, Celada P, Artigas F. The antipsychotic drug brexpiprazole reverses phencyclidine-induced disruptions of thalamocortical networks. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:1248-1257. [PMID: 29128144 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Brexpiprazole (BREX), a recently approved antipsychotic drug in the US and Canada, improves cognitive dysfunction in animal models, by still largely unknown mechanisms. BREX is a partial agonist at 5-HT1A and D2 receptors and antagonist at α1B- and α2C-adrenergic and 5-HT2A receptors all with a similar potency. The NMDA receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP), used as pharmacological model of schizophrenia, activates thalamocortical networks and decreases low frequency oscillations (LFO; <4 Hz). These effects are reversed by antipsychotics. Here we assessed the ability of BREX to reverse PCP-induced hyperactivity of thalamocortical circuits, and the involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in its therapeutic action. BREX reversed PCP-induced neuronal activation at a lower dose in centromedial/mediodorsal thalamic nuclei (CM/MD; 0.5mg/kg) than in pyramidal medial prefrontal cortex neurons (mPFC, 2mg/kg), perhaps due to antagonism at α1B-adrenoceptors, abundantly expressed in the thalamus. Conversely, a cumulative 0.5 mg/kg dose reversed a PCP-induced LFO decrease in mPFC but not in CM/MD. BREX reduced LFO in both areas, yet with a different dose-response, and moderately excited mPFC neurons. The latter effect was reversed by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635. Thus, BREX partly antagonizes PCP-induced thalamocortical hyperactivity, differentially in mPFC versus CM/MD. This regional selectivity may be related to the differential expression of α1B-, α2C-adrenergic and 5-HT2A receptors in both regions and/or different neuronal types. Furthermore, the pro-cognitive properties of BREX may be related to the 5-HT1A receptor-mediated increase in mPFC pyramidal neuron activity. Overall, the present data provide new insight on the brain elements involved in BREX's therapeutic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna E van den Munkhof
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, CSIC-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jørn Arnt
- Lundbeck: Synaptic Transmission, Neuroscience Drug Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, DK-2500 Valby, Denmark; Sunred Pharma Consulting ApS, Svend Gonges Vej 11A, DK-2680 Solrod Strand, Denmark
| | - Pau Celada
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, CSIC-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, CSIC-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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Aftab A, Gao K. The preclinical discovery and development of brexpiprazole for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1067-1081. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1354849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Awais Aftab
- Department of Psychiatry, Residency Training Program, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keming Gao
- Mood and Anxiety Clinic in the Mood Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Garay RP, Zarate CA, Charpeaud T, Citrome L, Correll CU, Hameg A, Llorca PM. Investigational drugs in recent clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:593-609. [PMID: 28092469 PMCID: PMC5418088 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1283217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The authors describe the medications for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in phase II/III of clinical development in the EU and USA and provide an opinion on how current treatment can be improved in the near future. Areas covered: Sixty-two trials were identified in US and EU clinical trial registries that included six investigational compounds in recent phase III development and 12 others in recent phase II clinical trials. Glutamatergic agents have been the focus of many studies. A single intravenous dose of the glutamatergic modulator ketamine produces a robust and rapid antidepressant effect in persons with TRD; this effect continues to remain significant for 1 week. This observation was a turning point that opened the way for other, more selective glutamatergic modulators (intranasal esketamine, AVP-786, AVP-923, AV-101, and rapastinel). Of the remaining compounds, monoclonal antibodies open highly innovative therapeutic options, based on new pathophysiological approaches to depression. Expert commentary: Promising new agents are emerging for TRD treatment. Glutamatergic modulators likely represent a very promising alternative to monoaminergic antidepressant monotherapy. We could see the arrival of the first robust and rapid acting antidepressant drug in the near future, which would strongly facilitate the ultimate goal of recovery in persons with TRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo P. Garay
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Craven, Villemoisson-sur-Orge, France
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Charpeaud
- Centre Médico-Psychologique B, CHU, Université d’Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Leslie Citrome
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Christoph U. Correll
- Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Hofstra Northwell Health School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Ahcène Hameg
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Craven, Villemoisson-sur-Orge, France
| | - Pierre-Michel Llorca
- Centre Médico-Psychologique B, CHU, Université d’Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Flick AC, Ding HX, Leverett CA, Kyne RE, Liu KKC, Fink SJ, O’Donnell CJ. Synthetic Approaches to the New Drugs Approved During 2015. J Med Chem 2017; 60:6480-6515. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Flick
- Groton
Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445
Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Hong X. Ding
- Pharmacodia (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Carolyn A. Leverett
- Groton
Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445
Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Robert E. Kyne
- Celgene Corporation, 200 Cambridge
Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Kevin K. -C. Liu
- China Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | | | - Christopher J. O’Donnell
- Groton
Laboratories, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445
Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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Milienne-Petiot M, Geyer MA, Arnt J, Young JW. Brexpiprazole reduces hyperactivity, impulsivity, and risk-preference behavior in mice with dopamine transporter knockdown-a model of mania. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1017-1028. [PMID: 28160035 PMCID: PMC5391249 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Bipolar disorder (BD) is a unique mood disorder defined by periods of depression and mania. The defining diagnosis of BD is the presence of mania/hypomania, with symptoms including hyperactivity and risk-taking. Since current treatments do not ameliorate cognitive deficits such as risky decision-making, and impulsivity that can negatively affect a patient's quality of life, better treatments are needed. OBJECTIVES Here, we tested whether acute treatment with brexpiprazole, a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator with partial agonist activity at D2/3 and 5-HT1A receptors, would attenuate the BD mania-relevant behaviors of the dopamine transporter (DAT) knockdown mouse model of mania. METHODS The effects of brexpiprazole on DAT knockdown and wild-type littermate mice were examined in the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) and Iowa gambling task (IGT) to quantify activity/exploration and impulsivity/risk-taking behavior respectively. RESULTS DAT knockdown mice exhibited hyper-exploratory behavior in the BPM and made fewer safe choices in the IGT. Brexpiprazole attenuated the mania-like hyper-exploratory phenotype and increased safe choices in risk-preferring DAT knockdown mice. Brexpiprazole also reduced safe choices in safe-preferring mice irrespective of genotype. Finally, brexpiprazole reduced premature (impulsive-like) responses in both groups of mice. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with earlier reports, DAT knockdown mice exhibited hyper-exploratory, risk-preferring, and impulsive-like profiles consistent with patients with BD mania in these tasks. These behaviors were attenuated after brexpiprazole treatment. These data therefore indicate that brexpiprazole could be a novel treatment for BD mania and/or risk-taking/impulsivity disorders, since it remediates some relevant behavioral abnormalities in this mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Milienne-Petiot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jørn Arnt
- Sunred Pharma Consulting, Solrod Strand, Denmark
- Synaptic Transmission, Neuroscience Drug Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500, Valby, DK, Denmark
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA.
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Adjunctive Brexpiprazole as a Novel Effective Strategy for Treating Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2017; 37:46-53. [PMID: 27941419 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Brexpiprazole was approved for adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2015. Because only a small number of randomized controlled trials have investigated the use of brexpiprazole in MDD, we performed a meta-analysis. METHODS/PROCEDURES We systematically searched literatures in PubMed, Cochrane Library database, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov up to January 2016. The primary efficacy measure was the mean change in total Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score from baseline. Secondary efficacy measures were the mean change in total Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (17 items) score from baseline and the response (≥50% reduction in MADRS total score) and remission (MADRS total score ≤ 10 with ≥50% reduction) rates. FINDINGS/RESULTS Four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Brexpiprazole showed superior efficacy over placebo with effect sizes (mean differences) of -1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.45 to -1.07) for MADRS and -1.21 (95% CI, -1.71 to -0.72) for the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The risk ratios for response and remission were 1.57 (95% CI, 1.29-1.91) and 1.55 (95% CI, 1.22-1.96), respectively. The incidences of discontinuation due to adverse events, akathisia, and weight increase were higher in the brexpiprazole group than in the placebo group, with risk ratios of 3.44 (95% CI, 1.52-7.80), 3.39 (95% CI, 2.08-5.51), and 4.36 (95% CI, 2.45-7.77), respectively, and the incidence of akathisia was related to the brexpiprazole dose. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS Although our results suggest that brexpiprazole could be an effective adjunctive agent for MDD, they should be cautiously translated into clinical practice because the meta-analysis was based on only a handful of randomized controlled trials.
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Ma M, Ren Q, Yang C, Zhang JC, Yao W, Dong C, Ohgi Y, Futamura T, Hashimoto K. Adjunctive treatment of brexpiprazole with fluoxetine shows a rapid antidepressant effect in social defeat stress model: Role of BDNF-TrkB signaling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39209. [PMID: 27991542 PMCID: PMC5171769 DOI: 10.1038/srep39209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Addition of low doses of the atypical antipsychotic drug brexpiprazole with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) could promote antidepressant effect in patients with major depressive disorder although the precise mechanisms underlying the action of the combination are unknown. Combination of low dose of brexpiprazole (0.1 mg/kg) and SSRI fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) could promote a rapid antidepressant effect in social defeat stress model although brexpiprazole or fluoxetine alone did not show antidepressant effect. Furthermore, the combination significantly improved alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - TrkB signaling and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens in the susceptible mice after social defeat stress. Interestingly, TrkB antagonist ANA-12 significantly blocked beneficial effects of combination of brexpiprazole and fluoxetine on depression-like phenotype. These results suggest that BDNF-TrkB signaling plays a role in the rapid antidepressant action of the combination of brexpiprazole and fluoxetine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ma
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Qian Ren
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chun Yang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ji-Chun Zhang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Wei Yao
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chao Dong
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuta Ohgi
- Department of CNS Research, New Drug Research Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Futamura
- Department of CNS Research, New Drug Research Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology and clinical data for brexpiprazole in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). DATA SOURCES An English-language literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE was performed using the term brexpiprazole. All articles containing human clinical trial data published up to September 2016 were evaluated for inclusion as well as information from the manufacturer's product labeling. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION Phase 3 trials for brexpiprazole were evaluated. Key in vitro and animal data were incorporated into the pharmacology and pharmacokinetic sections where appropriate. DATA SYNTHESIS Four phase 3 trials have evaluated the use of brexpiprazole as a primary therapy for schizophrenia or as an antidepressant adjunct for MDD. For its schizophrenia indication, brexpiprazole was studied in 2 placebo-controlled trials of approximately 1300 patients, with 4 mg of brexpiprazole consistently showing superiority over placebo. For MDD, brexpiprazole was compared with placebo as an adjunct to antidepressants in approximately 1000 patients who had failed trials of 1 to 3 prior antidepressants. The 2-mg and 3-mg dosages of brexpiprazole showed consistent superiority over placebo in the MDD trials. Common treatment emergent adverse effects included akathisia and weight gain. CONCLUSIONS Brexpiprazole showed efficacy for the treatment of schizophrenia in the range of 2 to 4 mg/d and as an adjunct to antidepressant therapy in MDD when dosed at 2 to 3 mg/d. Advantages of this drug include once-daily dosing, good tolerability, and lack of effect on sexual function. Disadvantages include the lack of long-term safety data and potentially high cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Markovic
- 1 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway Township, NJ, USA
| | | | - Krina H Patel
- 1 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway Township, NJ, USA.,3 Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, USA
| | - Megan Maroney
- 1 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway Township, NJ, USA.,3 Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, USA
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Abstract
There are several new and emerging medication interventions for both the acute and maintenance treatment phases of schizophrenia. Recently approved are 2 new dopamine receptor partial agonists, brexpiprazole and cariprazine, as well as 2 new long-acting injectable antipsychotic formulations, aripiprazole lauroxil and 3-month paliperidone palmitate. Although differences in efficacy compared to other available choices are not expected, the new oral options offer different tolerability profiles that may be attractive for individual patients who have had difficulties with older medications. The new long-acting injectable options provide additional flexibility in terms of increasing the time interval between injections. In Phase III of clinical development is a novel antipsychotic, lumateperone (ITI-007), that appears to have little in the way of significant adverse effects. Deutetrabenazine and valbenazine are agents in Phase III for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, a condition that can be found among persons receiving chronic antipsychotic therapy. On the horizon are additional injectable formulations of familiar antipsychotics, aripiprazole and risperidone, that may be more convenient than what is presently available.
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Garay RP, Citrome L, Grossberg GT, Cavero I, Llorca PM. Investigational drugs for treating agitation in persons with dementia. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:973-83. [PMID: 27232589 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1193155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Agitation is common and distressing in persons with dementia, but safe, effective treatments remain elusive. In this review, the authors describe investigational compounds in ongoing or recently completed clinical trials for this indication and provide an opinion on how they may meet current therapeutic needs. AREAS COVERED Phase II and phase III clinical trials for agitation in persons with dementia were searched in US and EU clinical trial registries and in the medical literature for the period January 2013-February 2016 EXPERT OPINION: The authors searches identified 24 recent clinical trials investigating new treatments for agitation in persons with dementia. Candidate drugs in phase III development included the antipsychotic brexpiprazole, the antidepressant citalopram, the novel compound AVP-786 (deuterated-dextromethorphan/quinidine combination) and the cannabinoid nabilone. Of the compounds in phase II clinical trials, ELND005 (scyllo-inositol) is intended to progress into phase III development, based on evidence from a subgroup analysis and biomarker data. After many years without an FDA/EMA (Food and Drug Administration/European Medicines Agency) approved medication to treat agitation in persons with dementia, we may see the arrival of the first approved drug in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo P Garay
- a Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics , Craven , Villemoisson-sur-Orge , France
| | - Leslie Citrome
- b Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , New York Medical College , Valhalla , NY , USA
| | - George T Grossberg
- c Department of Psychiatry , St Louis University School of Medicine , St Louis , MO , USA
| | - Icilio Cavero
- d Department of Safety Pharmacology , Craven , Villemoisson-sur-Orge , France
| | - Pierre-Michel Llorca
- e Centre Médico-Psychologique B, CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, EA U7280 , Université d'Auvergne , Clermont-Ferrand , France
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McEvoy J, Citrome L. Brexpiprazole for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Review of this Novel Serotonin-Dopamine Activity Modulator. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 9:177-86. [PMID: 26757416 DOI: 10.3371/csrp.mcci.010316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Brexpiprazole is an antipsychotic medication and received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of schizophrenia in July 2015. Brexpiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A and at adrenergic alpha1B and alpha2C receptors. Compared with aripiprazole, brexpiprazole is more potent at 5-HT1A receptors and displays less intrinsic activity at D2 receptors. The recommended dose range of brexpiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia is 2-4 mg/day; the recommended titration schedule is to start with 1 mg/day and increase to 2 mg/day on Day 5 to Day 7, then to 4 mg/day on Day 8. Two positive, 6-week, Phase 3 randomized controlled trials in acute schizophrenia demonstrated superiority of brexpiprazole over placebo. Pooled responder rates were 46% for brexpiprazole 2-4 mg/day vs. 31% for placebo, resulting in a number needed to treat (NNT) of 7. In a 52-week, randomized withdrawal study, significantly fewer patients relapsed in the brexpiprazole group compared with placebo (13.5% vs. 38.5%), resulting in an NNT of 4. The most commonly encountered adverse event (incidence ≥4% and at least twice the rate of placebo) is increased weight. Short-term weight gain appears modest (approximately 10% of patients receiving brexpiprazole 1-4 mg/day gained ≥7% body weight from baseline, compared with 4% for those randomized to placebo, resulting in a number needed to harm [NNH] of 17); however, more outliers with an increase of ≥7% of body weight were evident in open-label, 52-week safety studies. Effects on glucose and lipids were small. Rates of akathisia as an adverse event were 5.5% for the pooled doses of brexpiprazole 1-4 mg/day vs. 4.6% for placebo, yielding an NNH of 112. Minimal effects on prolactin were observed, and no clinically relevant effects on the ECG QTc interval were evident. Brexpiprazole is also approved as an adjunct medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Phase 3 trials are ongoing in patients with agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Citrome L. Which role for brexpiprazole, a new dopamine D2 partial agonist, in the treatment of schizophrenia? EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH 2016; 19:e6. [PMID: 27048849 PMCID: PMC10699418 DOI: 10.1136/eb-2015-102143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Garay RP, Citrome L, Samalin L, Liu CC, Thomsen MS, Correll CU, Hameg A, Llorca PM. Therapeutic improvements expected in the near future for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an appraisal of phase III clinical trials of schizophrenia-targeted therapies as found in US and EU clinical trial registries. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:921-36. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2016.1149164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti(®)) is a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator, with a unique receptor binding profile and low intrinsic D2 activity suggestive of a lower potential than aripiprazole to cause activation-like adverse effects, such as akathisia. The drug was recently approved by the US FDA for adjunctive therapy with antidepressant treatment (ADT) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In two phase III trials, adjunctive oral brexpiprazole 2 or 3 mg once daily was more effective than monotherapy with ADT in improving depressive symptoms in adults with MDD who demonstrated an incomplete response to previous treatment with ADT. Adjunctive brexpiprazole was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, which included treatment periods of up to 52 weeks. Results of ongoing trials should help position the drug in the treatment of MDD. In the meantime, brexpiprazole provides a valid option for patients with persistent symptoms despite standard antidepressant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate McKeage
- Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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Citrome L. The ABC's of dopamine receptor partial agonists - aripiprazole, brexpiprazole and cariprazine: the 15-min challenge to sort these agents out. Int J Clin Pract 2015; 69:1211-20. [PMID: 26477545 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L Citrome
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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