Review of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenetics in Atypical Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics

Optimisation of pharmacotherapy in psychiatry through therapeutic drug monitoring, molecular brain imaging and pharmacogenetic tests: focus on antipsychotics

BACKGROUND

For psychotic disorders (i.e. schizophrenia), pharmacotherapy plays a key role in controlling acute and long-term symptoms. To find the optimal individual dose and dosage strategy, specialized tools are used. Three tools have been proven useful to personalize drug treatments: therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of drug levels, pharmacogenetic testing (PG), and molecular neuroimaging.

METHODS

In these Guidelines, we provide an in-depth review of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics for 50 antipsychotics. Over 30 international experts in psychiatry selected studies that have measured drug concentrations in the blood (TDM), gene polymorphisms of enzymes involved in drug metabolism, or receptor/transporter occupancies in the brain (positron emission tomography (PET)).

RESULTS

Study results strongly support the use of TDM and the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genotyping and/or phenotyping to guide drug therapies. Evidence-based target ranges are available for titrating drug doses that are often supported by PET findings.

CONCLUSION

All three tools discussed in these Guidelines are essential for drug treatment. TDM goes well beyond typical indications such as unclear compliance and polypharmacy. Despite its enormous potential to optimize treatment effects, minimize side effects and ultimately reduce the global burden of diseases, personalized drug treatment has not yet become the standard of care in psychiatry.

Outcomes of long-acting injectable antipsychotics use in pregnancy: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Women with a history of serious psychotic disorders are at increased risk of disease relapse during pregnancy. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have been widely used to improve adherence and prevent relapse in patients with various severe psychotic disorders, but there is a lack of high-quality data from previous research on the safety of LAI antipsychotics during pregnancy.

AIM

To summarize relevant data on maternal, pregnancy, neonatal, and developmental outcomes from published cases of LAI antipsychotic use in pregnancy.

METHODS

A literature search was performed through November 11, 2023, using three online databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Case reports or case series that reported information about the outcomes of pregnancy in women who used LAI antipsychotics at any point in pregnancy, with available full texts, were included. Descriptive statistics, narrative summation, and tabulation of the extracted data were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 19 publications satisfied the inclusion criteria: 3 case series, 15 case reports, and 1 conference abstract. They reported the outcomes of LAI antipsychotic use in 74 women and 77 pregnancies. The use of second-generation LAI antipsychotics was reported in the majority (n = 47; 61.0%) of pregnancies. First-generation LAI antipsychotics were administered during 30 pregnancies (39.0%). Most of the women (approximately 64%) had either satisfactory control of symptoms or no information about relapse, while approximately 12% of them had developed gestational diabetes mellitus. A minority of cases reported adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and neurological manifestations in newborns. However, there were no reports of negative long-term developmental outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Currently available data seem reassuring, but further well-designed studies are required to properly evaluate the risks and benefits of LAI antipsychotic use during pregnancy.

Behind the Curtain: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Psychotropic Drugs from a Laboratory Analytical Perspective

PURPOSE

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a well-established tool for guiding psychopharmacotherapy and improving patient care. Despite their established roles in the prescription of psychotropic drugs, the "behind the curtain" processes of TDM requests are invariably obscure to clinicians, and literature addressing this topic is scarce.

METHODS

In the present narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various steps, starting from requesting TDM to interpreting TDM findings, in routine clinical practice. Our goal was to improve clinicians' insights into the numerous factors that may explain the variations in TDM findings due to methodological issues.

RESULTS

We discussed challenges throughout the TDM process, starting from the analyte and its major variation forms, through sampling procedures and pre-analytical conditions, time of blood sampling, sample matrices, and collection tubes, to analytical methods, their advantages and shortcomings, and the applied quality procedures. Additionally, we critically reviewed the current and future advances in the TDM of psychotropic drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The "behind the curtain" processes enabling TDM involve a multidisciplinary team, which faces numerous challenges in clinical routine. A better understanding of these processes will allow clinicians to join the efforts for achieving higher-quality TDM findings, which will in turn improve treatment effectiveness and safety outcomes of psychotropic agents.

Paliperidone poisoning and measurable plasma concentrations 2.5 years after last administered dose: A case report

We report a poisoning with paliperidone palmitate, a once-monthly, long-acting injectable antipsychotic. The patient suffered from deep sedation and dystonia. She had been treated with extended release intramuscular paliperidone for several years and had received her last injection 8 days prior to admission. The plasma paliperidone was nearly five times higher than the upper reference range. Paliperidone is a substrate of p-glycoprotein and we therefore aimed to increase its elimination by inducing p-glycoprotein through treatment with St John's wort. This seemed to have a limited effect on paliperidone clearance. Plasma concentration levels decreased with time as did the dystonia. All antipsychotic treatment was discontinued after this unfortunate event, and the patient did specifically not receive any prescriptions of paliperidone or risperidone. However, the plasma paliperidone concentration was in the low end of the normal therapeutic range 2.5 years after the last dose of paliperidone was administered, and the patient still had some extrapyramidal symptoms.

Towards precision medicine of long-acting aripiprazole through population pharmacokinetic modelling

Population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models constitute a valuable tool for characterizing the pharmacokinetic properties of once-monthly long-acting injectable aripiprazole (LAI aripiprazole) and quantifying the sources of variability in drug exposure. Our aim is to develop a popPK model of both aripiprazole and its metabolite dehydro-aripiprazole in patients treated with LAI aripiprazole, and to personalize the dosing regimen of aripiprazole across different sub-groups of patients. This is a prospective study investigating the pharmacokinetics of LAI aripiprazole. A total of 93 patients were included, 21 for model development and 71 for external model evaluation. A one-compartment model with linear absorption and elimination adequately described both aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole concentrations. The weight of the patients has been shown to be the factor that most influences the absorption. However, the metabolizing phenotype for CYP2D6 and the concomitant treatment with strong inhibitors of this cytochrome have been shown to be the covariates that most influence total drug exposure. This is the first popPK model developed for LAI aripiprazole that includes aripiprazole and its main active metabolite, dehydroaripiprazole. It provides a personalized dosage recommendation that maximizes the probability of achieving optimal therapeutic concentrations and minimizes the difficulties associated with trial-and-error therapeutic strategies carried out in clinical practice.

Clinical Utility and Implementation of Pharmacogenomics for the Personalisation of Antipsychotic Treatments

Decades of pharmacogenetic research have revealed genetic biomarkers of clinical response to antipsychotics. Genetic variants in antipsychotic targets, dopamine and serotonin receptors in particular, and in metabolic enzymes have been associated with the efficacy and toxicity of antipsychotic treatments. However, genetic prediction of antipsychotic response based on these biomarkers is far from accurate. Despite the clinical validity of these findings, the clinical utility remains unclear. Nevertheless, genetic information on CYP metabolic enzymes responsible for the biotransformation of most commercially available antipsychotics has proven to be effective for the personalisation of clinical dosing, resulting in a reduction of induced side effects and in an increase in efficacy. However, pharmacogenetic information is rarely used in psychiatric settings as a prescription aid. Lack of studies on cost-effectiveness, absence of clinical guidelines based on pharmacogenetic biomarkers for several commonly used antipsychotics, the cost of genetic testing and the delay in results delivery hamper the implementation of pharmacogenetic interventions in clinical settings. This narrative review will comment on the existing pharmacogenetic information, the clinical utility of pharmacogenetic findings, and their current and future implementations.

Developments in pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics, and personalized medicine

The development of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics in Western Europe is highly relevant in the worldwide scenario. Despite the usually low institutional support, many research groups, composed of basic and clinical researchers, have been actively working for decades in this field. Their contributions made an international impact and paved the way for further studies and pharmacogenomics implementation in clinical practice. In this manuscript, that makes part of the Special Issue entitled Spanish Pharmacology, we present an analysis of the state of the art of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics research in Europe, we compare it with the developments in Spain, and we summarize the most salient contributions since 1988 to the present, as well as recent developments in the clinical application of pharmacogenomics knowledge. Finally, we present some considerations on how we could improve translation to clinical practice in this specific scenario.

Towards Precision Medicine in Clinical Practice: Alinity C vs. UHPLC-MS/MS in Plasma Aripiprazole Determination

Therapeutic drug monitoring improves the benefit-risk balance of antipsychotic therapy. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) is considered the gold-standard method for measuring plasma drug concentrations; however, the Alinity C system has emerged as a promising alternative. This is the first study aimed at comparing UHPLC-MS/MS versus Alinity C in measuring plasma concentrations of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole. A total of 86 plasma samples were analyzed. The active moiety of aripiprazole was measured in 60 samples using both systems and 26 samples were analyzed twice using Alinity C with an intermediate period of 6 months to assess its reproducibility. Spearman's correlation revealed a good association between the two assays (rs = 0.96) and no significance differences were found by McNemar's test when classifying samples between infra-, supra- and therapeutic ranges. Passing-Bablock regression showed a good correlation among methods (rs = 0.93) and a slope of 1.12 indicating a slight tendency of Alinity C to measure higher values than UHPLC-MS/MS. In addition, a good intra-method correlation across the two sequential analyses with Alinity C was obtained (rs = 0.99). Nonetheless, clinical decisions could be different in 15% of the cases depending on the chosen method. No differences were found in active moiety determination by Alinity C depending on the concentration of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole of the samples.

Rebound Catatonia Associated With Injectable Paliperidone

Paliperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. It is a metabolite of risperidone and has a similar mechanism of action, primarily blocking dopamine 2 receptors (D2 receptors) in the brain. Paliperidone has various adverse effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, and metabolic disturbances. Catatonia is rare but severe side effects can occur in the context of an underlying psychiatric, neurologic, or general medical condition. Paradoxically, antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia or bipolar spectrum disorders can precipitate or worsen catatonic symptoms. The report suggests that 17-19% of all cases diagnosed as catatonia due to other medical conditions are medication-induced. Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that presents as a cluster of psychomotor signs and symptoms resulting in movement and behavior aberrations. Various symptoms, including mutism, stupor, rigidity, and abnormal movements, characterize catatonia. Catatonia is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt recognition and management. Here, we present a case of a patient with catatonia associated with long-acting injectable paliperidone intramuscular therapy in a patient with schizophrenia.

Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare but severe adverse drug reaction seen in pharmacotherapy and a major cause of postmarketing drug withdrawals. Advances in genome-wide studies indicate that genetic and epigenetic diversity can lead to inter-individual differences in drug response and toxicity. It is necessary to identify how the genetic variations, in the presence of environmental factors, can contribute to development and progression of DILI. Studies on microRNA, histone modification, DNA methylation, and single nucleotide polymorphisms related to DILI were retrieved from databases and were analyzed for the current research and updated to develop this narrative review. We have compiled some of the major genetic, epigenetic, and pharmacogenetic factors leading to DILI. Many validated genetic risk factors of DILI, such as variants of drug-metabolizing enzymes, HLA alleles, and some transporters were identified. In conclusion, these studies provide useful information in risk alleles identification and on implementation of personalized medicine.

Achieving long-term goals through early personalized management of schizophrenia: expert opinion on the role of a new fast-onset long-acting injectable antipsychotic

Definition of an appropriate and personalized treatment plan focused on long-term outcomes is crucial in the management of schizophrenia. Following review of the literature, a panel of six leading psychiatrists discussed the importance of clear and shared long-term goals when initiating antipsychotic treatment in light of their clinical experience. The importance of establishing shared and progressive treatment objectives was stressed, which should be tailored based on the patient's characteristics, goals, and preferences. Consensus emerged on the key role that therapeutic alliance and patient empowerment play throughout the course of treatment. Reduction in symptoms in the acute phase along with good efficacy and tolerability in the maintenance phase emerged as essential features of a therapy that can favor achievement of long-term outcomes. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics enhance adherence to treatment compared to oral formulations and have been shown to be effective in the maintenance phase. Currently available LAIs are characterized by a delayed onset of action and require a loading dose or oral supplementation to achieve therapeutic concentrations. Risperidone ISM^® is a novel LAI antipsychotic with fast and sustained release of antipsychotic, reaching therapeutic plasma levels within a few hours after administration without oral supplementation or loading doses. Risperidone ISM^® has been shown to rapidly control symptoms in patients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia and to be effective and well tolerated as maintenance treatment irrespective of the severity of initial symptoms. It thus represents a valuable and novel therapeutic option in management of schizophrenia.

The pharmacogenetics of the new-generation antipsychotics - A scoping review focused on patients with severe psychiatric disorders

Exploring the possible correlations between gene variations and the clinical effects of the new-generation antipsychotics is considered essential in the framework of personalized medicine. It is expected that pharmacogenetic data will be useful for increasing the treatment efficacy, tolerability, therapeutic adherence, functional recovery, and quality of life in patients with severe psychiatric disorders (SPD). This scoping review investigated the available evidence about the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics of five new-generation antipsychotics, i.e., cariprazine, brexpiprazole, aripiprazole, lumateperone, and pimavanserin. Based on the analysis of 25 primary and secondary sources and the review of these agents' summaries of product characteristics, aripiprazole benefits from the most relevant data about the impact of gene variability on its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with significant consequences on this antipsychotic's efficacy and tolerability. The determination of the CYP2D6 metabolizer status is important when administering aripiprazole, either as monotherapy or associated with other pharmacological agents. Allelic variability in genes encoding dopamine D2, D3, and serotonin, 5HT2A, 5HT2C receptors, COMT, BDNF, and dopamine transporter DAT1 was also associated with different adverse events or variations in the clinical efficacy of aripiprazole. Brexpiprazole also benefits from specific recommendations regarding the CYP2D6 metabolizer status and the risks of associating this antipsychotic with strong/moderate CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitors. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommendations about cariprazine refer to possible pharmacokinetic interactions with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. Pharmacogenetic data about cariprazine is sparse, and relevant information regarding gene-drug interactions for lumateperone and pimavanserin is yet lacking. In conclusion, more studies are needed to detect the influence of gene variations on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of new-generation antipsychotics. This type of research could increase the ability of clinicians to predict favorable responses to specific antipsychotics and to improve the tolerability of the treatment regimen in patients with SPD.

Model-Informed Precision Dosing (MIPD)

Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) is an advanced quantitative approach focusing on individualized dosage optimization, integrating complex mathematical and statistical models of drugs and disease combined with individual demographic and clinical patient characteristics [...].

Current Status of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Mental Health Treatment: A Review

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) receives growing interest in different psychiatric clinical settings (emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services). Despite its usefulness, TDM remains underemployed in mental health. This is partly due to the need for evidence about the relationship between drug serum concentration and efficacy and tolerability, both in the general population and even more in subpopulations with atypical pharmacokinetics. This work aims at reviewing the scientific literature published after 2017, when the most recent guidelines about the use of TDM in mental health were written. We found 164 pertinent records that we included in the review. Some promising studies highlighted the possibility of correlating early drug serum concentration and clinical efficacy and safety, especially for antipsychotics, potentially enabling clinicians to make decisions on early laboratory findings and not proceeding by trial and error. About populations with pharmacokinetic peculiarities, the latest studies confirmed very common alterations in drug blood levels in pregnant women, generally with a progressive decrease over pregnancy and a very relevant dose-adjusted concentration increase in the elderly. For adolescents also, several drugs result in having different dose-related concentration values compared to adults. These findings stress the recommendation to use TDM in these populations to ensure a safe and effective treatment. Moreover, the integration of TDM with pharmacogenetic analyses may allow clinicians to adopt precise treatments, addressing therapy on an individual pharmacometabolic basis. Mini-invasive TDM procedures that may be easily performed at home or in a point-of-care are very promising and may represent a turning point toward an extensive real-world TDM application. Although the highlighted recent evidence, research efforts have to be carried on: further studies, especially prospective and fixed-dose, are needed to replicate present findings and provide clearer knowledge on relationships between dose, serum concentration, and efficacy/safety.