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Giliberto S, Shishodia R, Nastruz M, Brar C, Bulathsinhala S, Terry J, Pemminati S, Shenoy SK. A Comprehensive Review of Novel FDA-Approved Psychiatric Medications (2018-2022). Cureus 2024; 16:e56561. [PMID: 38646400 PMCID: PMC11028406 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mental health disorders are among the top leading causes of disease burden worldwide and many patients have high levels of treatment resistance. Even though medications offer improvement to some patients, antidepressants are only effective in about half of those treated, and schizophrenia is treatment-refractory in about one-third of patients. One way to combat this disparity is to improve medication development and discovery for psychiatric disorders through evidence-based research. Recently, most psychiatric medications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are for increased tolerability or extended release. Because of the slow, incremental progress, there is a pressing need to explore novel medications with new indications or mechanisms of action to treat the expanding population with mental disorders, especially in those who are fully or partially recalcitrant to first-line medication options. This review aims to present the newest FDA medications with new indications, establish the clinical need for each, and discuss future directions in drug development. We searched and reviewed novel psychiatric medications approved by the FDA from 2018 to 2022. We then analyzed each medication in the United States Clinical Trials Registry and gathered updated results for efficacy and safety information. We also searched PubMed/MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Scopus, Web of Science, Elsevier, and Google Scholar to understand how these new indications met current clinical needs. Finally, we inquired about related technological implications that will lead the field of psychopharmacology now and in the years to come. We found 12 novel psychiatric medications approved by the FDA from 2018 to 2022, representing a very small percentage of the total FDA approvals during that period. These psychiatric medications with novel mechanisms or improved efficacy and safety are expected to provide further options for treating mental health disorders; promising results will lead to new patterns of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Giliberto
- Department of Biomedical Education, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, USA
| | - Rhea Shishodia
- Department of Biomedical Education, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, USA
| | - Meredith Nastruz
- Department of Biomedical Education, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, USA
| | - Chamandeep Brar
- Department of Biomedical Education, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, USA
| | - Sadeepa Bulathsinhala
- Department of Biomedical Education, St. George's University School of Medicine, True Blue, GRD
| | - Jonathan Terry
- Department of Specialty Medicine, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, USA
| | - Sudhakar Pemminati
- Department of Biomedical Education, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, USA
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Jiang C, Qian J, Jiang X, Zhang S, Zheng J, Wang H. Is pitolisant safe for clinical use? A retrospective pharmacovigilance study focus on the post-marketing safety. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2024; 12:e1161. [PMID: 38174838 PMCID: PMC10765455 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pitolisant, a novel histamine H3-receptor antagonist, holds significant promise for treating narcolepsy. However, a petition, which highlighted that pitolisant was associated with deaths during clinical trials, has propelled it into the spotlight of widespread societal attention on April 3, 2023. Till now, the clinical safety of pitolisant remains a heatedly debated topic. This study aimed to offer a comprehensive assessment of the safety profile of pitolisant in real-world clinical settings. Adverse event reports where pitolisant was the primary suspect drug were extracted from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. The clinical characteristics and concomitant drugs of the pitolisant-associated adverse events were analyzed. The potential adverse event signals of pitolisant were explored using four disproportionality analysis methods. Furthermore, the difference in pitolisant-associated adverse event signals was investigated concerning sex, age, weight, and dose. A total of 526 reports and 1695 adverse events with pitolisant as the primary suspected drug were identified. The most significant adverse event signals were generally mild and of short duration. The concomitant drugs of pitolisant were highly intricate, mainly included drugs for treating narcolepsy as well as antidepressants. Seven new significant adverse event signals emerged. The safety profile of pitolisant exhibited no significant differences across age and dose groups, although slight variations were observed in relation to sex and weight. The findings from reports of death and life-threatening outcomes underscore the importance of enhanced monitoring for cardiac and respiratory adverse reactions when utilizing pitolisant. This study provided a broader understanding of the safety profile of pitolisant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Jiang
- Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiancheng Qian
- Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xin Jiang
- Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityWenlingZhejiangChina
| | | | - Junxian Zheng
- Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
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González-García AM, Morán-Sánchez M, Sánchez-Serrano AR, Vizcaya-Gaona JA, El Berdei-Montero Y, Morán-Sánchez JC. [Multidrug resistant narcolepsy]. Rev Neurol 2023; 77:S13-S16. [PMID: 37477029 PMCID: PMC10831720 DOI: 10.33588/rn.77s01.2023198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Narcolepsy type 1 is a focal degenerative disease of the hypothalamus that selectively affects orexin (hypocretin)-producing neurons. It presents multiple clinical manifestations, both in wakefulness and in sleep. The symptoms are often so disruptive that they cause enormous suffering and impair patients' quality of life. Although a non-pharmacological approach is sometimes sufficient, the vast majority of patients need medication for adequate clinical management. CASE REPORT A male who, at 43 years of age, began to present acutely with excessive daytime sleepiness and episodes of cataplexy. After a thorough examination, he was diagnosed with narcolepsy type 1. Throughout the course of the disease, he was prescribed antidepressants, neurostimulants and sodium oxybate, in monotherapy or in combination. The response to pharmacological treatment was insufficient and accompanied by numerous side effects. Following the introduction of pitolisant, there was a marked improvement in his symptoms and a reduction in the dose of the other drugs and their adverse effects was achieved. CONCLUSION A number of measures are now available to address the cardinal symptoms of the disease, although there are still cases that are resistant to anti-narcoleptic treatment. Drugs with mechanisms of action that act upon receptors in the histaminergic system can be very useful in these cases.
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Łażewska D, Siwek A, Olejarz-Maciej A, Doroz-Płonka A, Wiktorowska-Owczarek A, Jóźwiak-Bębenista M, Reiner-Link D, Frank A, Sromek-Trzaskowska W, Honkisz-Orzechowska E, Królicka E, Stark H, Wieczorek M, Wagner W, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Stasiak A. Dual Targeting Ligands-Histamine H(3) Receptor Ligands with Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitory Activity-In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14. [PMID: 36297622 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) appear when dopamine (DA) concentrations in the striatum drops to around 20%. Simultaneous inhibitory effects on histamine H3 receptor (H3R) and MAO B can increase DA levels in the brain. A series of compounds was designed and tested in vitro for human H3R (hH3R) affinity and inhibitory activity to human MAO B (hMAO B). Results showed different activity of the compounds towards the two biological targets. Most compounds had poor affinity for hH3R (Ki > 500 nM), but very good inhibitory potency for hMAO B (IC50 < 50 nM). After further in vitro testing (modality of MAO B inhibition, permeability in PAMPA assay, cytotoxicity on human astrocyte cell lines), the most promising dual-acting ligand, 1-(3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenoxy)propyl)-2-methylpyrrolidine (13: hH3R: Ki = 25 nM; hMAO B IC50 = 4 nM) was selected for in vivo evaluation. Studies in rats of compound 13, in a dose of 3 mg/kg of body mass, confirmed its antagonistic effects for H3R (decline in food and a water consumption), decline in MAO B activity (>90%) in rat cerebral cortex (CTX), and an increase in DA content in CTX and striatum. Moreover, compound 13 caused a slight increase in noradrenaline, but a reduction in serotonin concentration in CTX. Thus, compound 13 is a promising dual-active ligand for the potential treatment of PD although further studies are needed to confirm this.
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El-Solh AA, Rudraraju A, Pasrija D, Bui H. Pharmacotherapy of residual excessive sleepiness among continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treated patients with sleep apnea. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:507-516. [PMID: 35045769 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2029408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with persistent sleepiness after adequate treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) experience impaired cognition, reduced productivity, and worse quality of life. Although the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are not completely understood, neuroimaging studies have identified reduced gray matter in the frontal cortex and alterations in white matter integrity suggestive of axonal and myelin damage. The intermittent hypoxia with resulting oxidative injury is considered a prime culprit behind the loss of wake-promoting catecholaminergic neurons. AREAS COVERED This narrative review gives an overview of the pathophysiology and approaches to managing patients with residual sleepiness. The authors explore different targeted strategies aimed at improving selection of appropriate pharmacotherapy. EXPERT OPINION Wake-stimulant medications (modafinil and armodafinil) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing sleepiness in adequately treated OSA. The recent FDA approval of pitolisant and solriamfetol complements the use of modafinil by substituting for direct sympathomimetic agents. The distinctive pharmacologic profile and mode of action of each of these agents offer the opportunity of a personalized approach to the management of this disorder. Further studies should be conducted on the long-term effect of these agents alone or in combination on brain structural and functional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A El-Solh
- Research and Development, The Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health; School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, USA
| | - Avantika Rudraraju
- Research and Development, The Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, USA
| | - Divij Pasrija
- Research and Development, The Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, USA
| | - Hoang Bui
- Research and Development, The Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
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6
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Xywav - a mixed-salt oxybate oral solution for idiopathic hypersomnia. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2021; 63:207-8. [PMID: 35100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
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Krief S, Berrebi‐Bertrand I, Nagmar I, Giret M, Belliard S, Perrin D, Uguen M, Robert P, Lecomte J, Schwartz J, Finance O, Ligneau X. Pitolisant, a wake-promoting agent devoid of psychostimulant properties: Preclinical comparison with amphetamine, modafinil, and solriamfetol. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00855. [PMID: 34423920 PMCID: PMC8381683 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Several therapeutic options are currently available to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients suffering from narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. However, there are no comparisons between the various wake-promoting agents in terms of mechanism of action, efficacy, or safety. The goal of this study was to compare amphetamine, modafinil, solriamfetol, and pitolisant at their known primary pharmacological targets, histamine H3 receptors (H3R), dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters, and in various in vivo preclinical models in relation to neurochemistry, locomotion, behavioral sensitization, and food intake. Results confirmed that the primary pharmacological effect of amphetamine, modafinil, and solriamfetol was to increase central dopamine neurotransmission, in part by inhibiting its transporter. Furthermore, solriamfetol increased levels of extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, and decreased the 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC)/DA ratio in the striatum, as reported for modafinil and amphetamine. All these compounds produced hyperlocomotion, behavioral sensitization, and hypophagia, which are common features of psychostimulants and of compounds with abuse potential. In contrast, pitolisant, a selective and potent H3R antagonist/inverse agonist that promotes wakefulness, had no effect on striatal dopamine, locomotion, or food intake. In addition, pitolisant, devoid of behavioral sensitization by itself, attenuated the hyperlocomotion induced by either modafinil or solriamfetol. Therefore, pitolisant presents biochemical, neurochemical, and behavioral profiles different from those of amphetamine and other psychostimulants such as modafinil or solriamfetol. In conclusion, pitolisant is a differentiated therapeutic option, when compared with psychostimulants, for the treatment of EDS, as this agent does not show any amphetamine-like properties within in vivo preclinical models.
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Fabara SP, Ortiz JF, Anas Sohail A, Hidalgo J, Altamimi A, Tama B, Patel UK. Efficacy of Pitolisant on the Treatment of Narcolepsy: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2021; 13:e16095. [PMID: 34345566 PMCID: PMC8325524 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy. Histamine neurons play an important role in enhancing wakefulness. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of pitolisant, a histamine 3 (H3)-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, in patients with a high burden of narcolepsy symptoms. We conducted an advanced PubMed search strategy with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The outcome included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and adverse effects frequency. Our primary outcome included the mean ESS score at the endpoint and showed that pitolisant was superior to the placebo, but not non-inferior to modafinil. Adverse effects were less common and shorter in duration in the pitolisant group compared to the modafinil-treated patients. Pitolisant was efficacious in reducing excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy compared with placebo, and it was well-tolerated in patients with severe narcolepsy symptoms as compared with modafinil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P Fabara
- General Medicine, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, ECU
| | - Juan Fernando Ortiz
- Neurology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECU.,Neurology, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | | | - Jessica Hidalgo
- Internal Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECU
| | | | - Belen Tama
- Medicine, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, ECU
| | - Urvish K Patel
- Public Health and Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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9
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Pennington S, Stutzman D, Sannar E. Pitolisant in an Adolescent with Prader-Willi Syndrome. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2021; 26:405-410. [PMID: 34035686 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-26.4.405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This case report evaluates the potential benefit of pitolisant in a 15-year-old female with Prader-Willi syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and mild intellectual disability. Due to its action on the H3 receptor, it enhances central activity of histaminergic neurons resulting in increased alertness, irrespective of the loss of orexin neurons seen in narcolepsy. Additionally, it is thought to modulate various other neurotransmitter systems including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Pitolisant has the potential to improve many symptoms in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome and it appears to be well tolerated with minimal side effects observed. Therefore, the use of pitolisant should be considered in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who fail a psychostimulant trial.
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Setnik B, McDonnell M, Mills C, Scart-Grès C, Robert P, Dayno JM, Schwartz JC. Evaluation of the abuse potential of pitolisant, a selective H3-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, for the treatment of adult patients with narcolepsy with or without cataplexy. Sleep 2021; 43:5598311. [PMID: 31626696 PMCID: PMC7157189 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the human abuse potential of pitolisant, a selective histamine 3 (H3)-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in adult patients with narcolepsy. Methods Nondependent, recreational stimulant users able to distinguish phentermine HCl 60 mg from placebo in a drug discrimination test were randomized in a four-period, double-blind, crossover design to receive single doses of pitolisant 35.6 mg (therapeutic dose), pitolisant 213.6 mg (supratherapeutic dose), phentermine HCl 60 mg, and placebo. The primary endpoint was maximum effect (Emax) on the 100-point Drug Liking (“at this moment”) visual analog scale. Results In 38 study completers (73.7% male; 65.8% white; mean age, 33.3 years), mean Drug Liking Emax was significantly greater for phentermine versus pitolisant 35.6 mg (mean difference, 21.4; p < 0.0001) and pitolisant 213.6 mg (mean difference, 19.7; p < 0.0001). Drug Liking Emax was similar for pitolisant (both doses) and placebo. Similarly, for key secondary measures of Overall Drug Liking and willingness to Take Drug Again, mean Emax scores were significantly greater for phentermine versus pitolisant (both doses) and similar for pitolisant (both doses) versus placebo. The incidence of adverse events was 82.1% after phentermine HCl 60 mg, 72.5% after pitolisant 213.6 mg, 47.5% after pitolisant 35.6 mg, and 48.8% after placebo administration. Conclusions In this study, pitolisant demonstrated significantly lower potential for abuse compared with phentermine and an overall profile similar to placebo; this suggests a low risk of abuse for pitolisant. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03152123. Determination of the abuse potential of pitolisant in healthy, nondependent recreational stimulant users. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03152123.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Setnik
- Syneos Health, Raleigh, NC.,Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Pitolisant (Wakix) for narcolepsy. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2021; 63:19-21. [PMID: 33647004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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12
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Pépin JL, Georgiev O, Tiholov R, Attali V, Verbraecken J, Buyse B, Partinen M, Fietze I, Belev G, Dokic D, Tamisier R, Lévy P, Lecomte I, Lecomte JM, Schwartz JC, Dauvilliers Y. Pitolisant for Residual Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in OSA Patients Adhering to CPAP: A Randomized Trial. Chest 2020; 159:1598-1609. [PMID: 33121980 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.09.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in individuals with OSA syndrome persisting despite good adherence to CPAP is a disabling condition. Pitolisant is a selective histamine H3-receptor antagonist with wake-promoting effects. RESEARCH QUESTION Is pitolisant effective and safe for reducing daytime sleepiness in individuals with moderate to severe OSA adhering to CPAP treatment but experiencing residual EDS? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (3:1), placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial, pitolisant was titrated individually at up to 20 mg/day and taken over 12 weeks. The primary end point was change in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score in the intention-to-treat population. Key secondary end points were maintenance of wakefulness assessed by the Oxford Sleep Resistance Test, Clinical Global Impressions scale of severity, the patient's global opinion, EuroQoL quality-of-life questionnaire score, Pichot fatigue questionnaire score, and safety. RESULTS Two hundred forty-four OSA participants (82.8% men; mean age, 53.1 years; mean Apnea Hypopnea Index with CPAP, 4.2/h; baseline ESS score, 14.7) were randomized to pitolisant (n = 183) or placebo (n = 61). ESS significantly decreased with pitolisant compared with placebo (-2.6; 95% CI, -3.9 to -1.4; P < .001), and the rate of responders to therapy (ESS ≤ 10 or change in ESS ≥ 3) was significantly higher with pitolisant (71.0% vs 54.1%; P = .013). Adverse event occurrence (mainly headache and insomnia) was higher in the pitolisant group compared with the placebo group (47.0% and 32.8%, respectively; P = .03). No cardiovascular or other significant safety concerns were reported. INTERPRETATION Pitolisant used as adjunct to CPAP therapy for OSA with residual sleepiness despite good CPAP adherence significantly reduced subjective and objective sleepiness and improved participant-reported outcomes and physician-reported disease severity. TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01071876; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov; EudraCT N°: 2009-017248-14; URL: eudract.ema.europa.eu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Pépin
- HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1042, University Grenoble Alpes, and EFCR Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France.
| | - Ognian Georgiev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Alexandrovska Hospital Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rumen Tiholov
- Department of Internal Diseases, Sv. Ivan Rilski Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, Kozloduy, Bulgaria
| | - Valérie Attali
- Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique UMRS1158, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, and Service des Pathologies du Sommeil (Departement R3S, DMU APPROCHES), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Johan Verbraecken
- Universitair Multidisciplinair Slaap Centrum, Edegem-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bertien Buyse
- Leuvens Universitair Centrum voor Slaap-en waakstoornissen, Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Markku Partinen
- Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Vitalmed Research Center, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ingo Fietze
- Interdisziplinares Schlafmedizinisches Zentrum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgi Belev
- Pulmonology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, St. George Hospital Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Dejan Dokic
- Department of Pulmology and Allergy, Mother Teresa Medical University, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Renaud Tamisier
- HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1042, University Grenoble Alpes, and EFCR Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrick Lévy
- HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1042, University Grenoble Alpes, and EFCR Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Lecomte
- Bioprojet, Paris, France; Department of Pulmology and Allergy, Mother Teresa Medical University, Skopje, Macedonia
| | | | | | - Yves Dauvilliers
- Centre National de Référence Narcolepsie, Unité du Sommeil, CHU Montpellier, Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, Service de Neurologie, Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1061, Montpellier, France
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13
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Guevarra JT, Hiensch R, Varga AW, Rapoport DM. Pitolisant to Treat Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Cataplexy in Adults with Narcolepsy: Rationale and Clinical Utility. Nat Sci Sleep 2020; 12:709-719. [PMID: 33117007 PMCID: PMC7567539 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s264140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder marked by chronic, debilitating excessive daytime sleepiness and can be associated with cataplexy, sleep paralysis and sleep-related hallucinations. Pharmacological therapy for narcolepsy primarily aims to increase wakefulness and reduce cataplexy attacks. Pitolisant is a first-in-class agent utilizing histamine to improve wakefulness by acting as an antagonist/inverse agonist of the presynaptic histamine 3 receptor. This review summarizes the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of pitolisant in treating the symptoms of narcolepsy. Randomized and observational studies demonstrate pitolisant to be effective in treating both hypersomnolence and cataplexy while generally being well tolerated at prescribed doses. The most common adverse reactions include headache, insomnia and nausea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay T Guevarra
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029, USA
| | - Robert Hiensch
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029, USA
| | - Andrew W Varga
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029, USA
| | - David M Rapoport
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by a pentad of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations, and disturbed nocturnal sleep. Treatment of narcolepsy remains challenging and current therapy is strictly symptomatically based. AREAS COVERED The present manuscript is based on an extensive Internet and PubMed search from 1990 to 2020. It is focused on the clinical and pharmacological properties of pitolisant in the treatment of narcolepsy. EXPERT OPINION Currently there is no cure for narcolepsy. Although efforts have been made, current treatments do not always allow to obtain an optimal control of symptoms. Pitolisant is an antagonist/inverse agonist of the histamine H3 autoreceptor. Its mechanism of action is novel and distinctive compared to the other available therapies for narcolepsy. Clinical trials suggest that pitolisant administered at a dose of ≤36 mg/day is an effective treatment option for narcolepsy, reducing EDS and cataplexy. Pitolisant is available as oral tablets and offers a convenient once-daily regimen. Pitolisant is generally well tolerated and showed minimal abuse potential in animals and humans. Long-term studies comparing the effectiveness and tolerability of pitolisant with active drugs (e.g. modafinil, sodium oxybate) are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaia Pellitteri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Udine , Udine, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gigli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Udine , Udine, Italy.,Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Physics (DMIF), University of Udine , Udine, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Valente
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Udine , Udine, Italy.,Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine , Udine, Italy
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Harwell V, Fasinu PS. Pitolisant and Other Histamine-3 Receptor Antagonists-An Update on Therapeutic Potentials and Clinical Prospects. Medicines (Basel) 2020; 7:medicines7090055. [PMID: 32882898 PMCID: PMC7554886 DOI: 10.3390/medicines7090055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Besides its well-known role as a peripheral chemical mediator of immune, vascular, and cellular responses, histamine plays major roles in the central nervous system, particularly in the mediation of arousal and cognition-enhancement. These central effects are mediated by the histamine-3 auto receptors, the modulation of which is thought to be beneficial for the treatment of disorders that impair cognition or manifest with excessive daytime sleepiness. Methods: A database search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov was performed in June 2020. Full-text articles were screened and reviewed to provide an update on pitolisant and other histamine-3 receptor antagonists. Results: A new class of drugs—histamine-3 receptor antagonists—has emerged with the approval of pitolisant for the treatment of narcolepsy with or without cataplexy. At the recommended dose, pitolisant is well tolerated and effective. It has also been evaluated for potential therapeutic benefit in Parkinson disease, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Limited studies have shown pitolisant to lack abuse potential which will be a major advantage over existing drug options for narcolepsy. Several histamine-3 receptor antagonists are currently in development for a variety of clinical indications. Conclusions: Although limited clinical studies have been conducted on this new class of drugs, the reviewed literature showed promising results for future additions to the clinical indications of pitolisant, and the expansion of the list of approved drugs in this class for a variety of indications.
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Dauvilliers Y, Verbraecken J, Partinen M, Hedner J, Saaresranta T, Georgiev O, Tiholov R, Lecomte I, Tamisier R, Lévy P, Scart-Gres C, Lecomte JM, Schwartz JC, Pépin JL. Pitolisant for Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Who Refuse Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment. A Randomized Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 201:1135-1145. [PMID: 31917607 PMCID: PMC7193861 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201907-1284oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common disabling symptom in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pitolisant, a selective histamine H3 receptor antagonist with wake-promoting effects, for the treatment of daytime sleepiness in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea refusing continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Methods: In an international, multicenter, double-blind, randomized (3:1), placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial, pitolisant was individually titrated at up to 20 mg/d over 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score. Key secondary endpoints were maintenance of wakefulness assessed on the basis of the Oxford Sleep Resistance test, safety, Clinical Global Impression of severity, patient’s global opinion, EuroQol quality-of-life questionnaire, and Pichot fatigue questionnaire. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 268 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (75% male; mean age, 52 yr; apnea–hypopnea index, 49/h; baseline sleepiness score, 15.7) were randomized (200 to pitolisant and 68 to placebo) and analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was reduced more with pitolisant than with placebo (−2.8; 95% confidence interval, −4.0 to −1.5; P < 0.001). Wake maintenance tests were not improved. The Pichot fatigue score was reduced with pitolisant. The overall impact of pitolisant was confirmed by both physicians’ and patients’ questionnaires. Adverse event incidence, mainly headache, insomnia, nausea, and vertigo, was similar in the pitolisant and placebo groups (29.5% and 25.4%, respectively), with no cardiovascular or other significant safety concerns. Conclusions: Pitolisant significantly reduced self-reported daytime sleepiness and fatigue and improved patient-reported outcomes and physician disease severity assessment in sleepy patients with obstructive sleep apnea refusing or nonadherent to continuous positive airway pressure. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01072968) and EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT 2009-017251-94).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Dauvilliers
- National Reference Center for Narcolepsy, Sleep and Wake Unit, Department of Neurology, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France.,INSERM U1061, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Johan Verbraecken
- Multidisciplinary Sleep Disorders Center, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Markku Partinen
- Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Vitalmed Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jan Hedner
- Sleep and Vigilance Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Göteborg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Tarja Saaresranta
- Sleep Research Center, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ognian Georgiev
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Alexandrovska Hospital Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rumen Tiholov
- Department of Internal Diseases, Sveti Ivan Rilski Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, Kozloduy, Bulgaria
| | | | - Renaud Tamisier
- Hypoxia-Physiopathology (HP2) Laboratory, INSERM U1042, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; and.,Cardio-Respiratory Functional Exploration Laboratory (EFCR), Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrick Lévy
- Hypoxia-Physiopathology (HP2) Laboratory, INSERM U1042, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; and.,Cardio-Respiratory Functional Exploration Laboratory (EFCR), Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Louis Pépin
- Hypoxia-Physiopathology (HP2) Laboratory, INSERM U1042, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; and.,Cardio-Respiratory Functional Exploration Laboratory (EFCR), Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
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Lehert P, Szoeke C. Comparison of modafinil and pitolisant in narcolepsy: a non-inferiority meta-analytical approach. Drugs Context 2020; 9:dic-2020-6-2. [PMID: 32699548 PMCID: PMC7357684 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2020-6-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To assess the non-inferiority of pitolisant, a new compound for the relief of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy in narcolepsy, compared with modafinil. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in narcolepsy were searched systematically. Network meta-analysis (NMA) compared the efficacy and safety of pitolisant and modafinil. The main endpoints are Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), the number of cataplexies, and overall safety. Results Of 312 articles after removing duplicates, 10 RCTs were eligible for NMA. For ESS, a non-significant superior beneficial decrease (−0.69, [−2.18, 0.79]) showed non-inferiority of pitolisant (non-inferiority margin [NIM]=1, p=0.015). An MWT beneficial increase (2.12 minutes [−0.95, 5.19]; p=0.18) showed non-inferiority of pitolisant (NIM=−1). For cataplexy, the mean beneficial effect of pitolisant was significant, providing evidence of pitolisant superiority in addition to non-inferiority. The risk ratio (RR) of treatment-suspected adverse events for pitolisant/modafinil was 0.86 [0.44, 1.24] favoring pitolisant, confirming non-inferiority considering a safety margin of RR=1.25 (tolerance of 25%). Conclusions Pitolisant is non-inferior to modafinil in relieving EDS, but superior to modafinil in reducing cataplexy, outranking modafinil in narcolepsy type-1 patients. Despite a slight superiority of pitolisant in EDS relief, both drugs perform equally in narcolepsy type-2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Lehert
- Faculty of Economics, University of Louvain, Mons, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cassandra Szoeke
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Barker EC, Flygare J, Paruthi S, Sharkey KM. Living with Narcolepsy: Current Management Strategies, Future Prospects, and Overlooked Real-Life Concerns. Nat Sci Sleep 2020; 12:453-466. [PMID: 32765142 PMCID: PMC7371435 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s162762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder of the sleep-wake cycle characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, nighttime sleep disturbances, and REM-sleep-related phenomena (sleep paralysis, hallucinations) that intrude into wakefulness. Dysfunction of the hypocretin/orexin system has been implicated as the underlying cause of narcolepsy with cataplexy. In most people with narcolepsy, symptom onset occurs between the ages of 10 and 35 years, but because the disorder is underrecognized and testing is complex, delays in diagnosis and treatment are common. Narcolepsy is treated with a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications that promote wakefulness and suppress cataplexy. Treatments are often effective in improving daytime functioning for individuals with narcolepsy, but side effects and/or lack of efficacy can result in suboptimal management of symptoms and, in many cases, significant residual impairment. Additionally, the psychosocial ramifications of narcolepsy are often neglected. Recently two new pharmacologic treatment options, solriamfetol and pitolisant, have been approved for adults, and the indication for sodium oxybate in narcolepsy has been expanded to include children. In recent years, there has been an uptick in patient-centered research, and promising new diagnostic and therapeutic options are in development. This paper summarizes current and prospective pharmacological therapies for treating both EDS and cataplexy, discusses concerns specific to children and reproductive-age women with narcolepsy, and reviews the negative impact of health-related stigma and efforts to address narcolepsy stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Barker
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Shalini Paruthi
- Sleep Medicine and Research Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Katherine M Sharkey
- Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Dauvilliers Y, Arnulf I, Szakacs Z, Leu-Semenescu S, Lecomte I, Scart-Gres C, Lecomte JM, Schwartz JC. Long-term use of pitolisant to treat patients with narcolepsy: Harmony III Study. Sleep 2020; 42:5540186. [PMID: 31529094 PMCID: PMC6802569 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Objectives To asses the long-term safety and efficacy of pitolisant, an histamine H3-receptor antagonist, on narcolepsy. Methods This open-label, single-arm, pragmatic study, recruited adult patients with narcolepsy and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score ≥12. After a titration period, patients were treated for up to 1 year with oral pitolisant once-a-day at up to 40 mg. Concomitant stimulants and anti-cataplectic agents were allowed. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included ESS, cataplexy, and other diary parameters. Results Patients (n = 102, 75 with cataplexy) received pitolisant, for the first time in 73 of them. Sixty-eight patients (51 with cataplexy) completed the 12-month treatment. Common treatment-emergent adverse events were headache (11.8% of patients), insomnia (8.8%), weight gain (7.8%), anxiety (6.9%), depressive symptoms (4.9%), and nausea (4.9%). Seven patients had a serious adverse effect, unrelated to pitolisant except for a possibly related miscarriage. One-third of patients stopped pitolisant, mostly (19.6%) for insufficient benefit. ESS score decreased by 4.6 ± 0.6. Two-thirds of patients completing the treatment were responders (ESS ≤ 10 or ESS decrease ≥ 3), and one third had normalized ESS (≤10). Complete and partial cataplexy, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and sleep attacks were reduced by 76%, 65%, 54%, 63%, and 27%, respectively. Pitolisant as monotherapy (43% of patients) was better tolerated and more efficacious on ESS than on add-on, but efficacy was maintained in this last case. Conclusions Long-term safety and efficacy of pitolisant on daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis is confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Dauvilliers
- Reference National Center for Narcolepsy, Sleep Unit, Department of Neurology, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital, University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, INSERM U1061, France
| | - Isabelle Arnulf
- Sleep Disorder Unit, Hôpital la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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Abdurakhmanova S, Grotell M, Kauhanen J, Linden AM, Korpi ER, Panula P. Increased Sensitivity of Mice Lacking Extrasynaptic δ-Containing GABA A Receptors to Histamine Receptor 3 Antagonists. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:594. [PMID: 32435195 PMCID: PMC7218123 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histamine/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons of posterior hypothalamus send wide projections to many brain areas and participate in stabilizing the wake state. Recent research has suggested that GABA released from the histamine/GABA neurons acts on extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and balances the excitatory effect of histamine. In the current study, we show the presence of vesicular GABA transporter mRNA in a majority of quantified hypothalamic histaminergic neurons, which suggest vesicular release of GABA. As histamine/GABA neurons form conventional synapses infrequently, it is possible that GABA released from these neurons diffuses to target areas by volume transmission and acts on extrasynaptic GABA receptors. To investigate this hypothesis, mice lacking extrasynaptic GABAA receptor δ subunit (Gabrd KO) were used. A pharmacological approach was employed to activate histamine/GABA neurons and induce histamine and presumably, GABA, release. Control and Gabrd KO mice were treated with histamine receptor 3 (Hrh3) inverse agonists ciproxifan and pitolisant, which block Hrh3 autoreceptors on histamine/GABA neurons and histamine-dependently promote wakefulness. Low doses of ciproxifan (1 mg/kg) and pitolisant (5 mg/kg) reduced locomotion in Gabrd KO, but not in WT mice. EEG recording showed that Gabrd KO mice were also more sensitive to the wake-promoting effect of ciproxifan (3 mg/kg) than control mice. Low frequency delta waves, associated with NREM sleep, were significantly suppressed in Gabrd KO mice compared with the WT group. Ciproxifan-induced wakefulness was blocked by histamine synthesis inhibitor α-fluoromethylhistidine (αFMH). The findings indicate that both histamine and GABA, released from histamine/GABA neurons, are involved in regulation of brain arousal states and δ-containing subunit GABAA receptors are involved in mediating GABA response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milo Grotell
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenna Kauhanen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni-Maija Linden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa R Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Bolin K, Niska P, Pirhonen L, Wasling P, Landtblom A. The cost utility of pitolisant as narcolepsy treatment. Acta Neurol Scand 2020; 141:301-310. [PMID: 31838740 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The cost-effectiveness of available pharmacological treatments for narcolepsy is largely unknown. Available pharmacological treatments are associated with tolerability, abuse, and adherence issues. Pitolisant is the first inverse agonist of the histamine H3 receptor to be prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy with and without cataplexy. Studies suggest that pitolisant is both as effective as previously introduced drugs and is associated with fewer adverse effects. The objective in this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of pitolisant as monotherapy, and pitolisant as an adjunctive treatment to modafinil, compared with standard treatment. MATERIALS & METHODS Calculations were performed using a Markov model with a 50-year time horizon. Healthcare utilization and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for each treatment alternative were calculated assuming no treatment effect on survival. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed for treatment effectiveness and healthcare cost parameters. RESULTS The cost per additional quality-adjusted life year was estimated at SEK 356 337 (10 SEK ≈ 1 Euro) for pitolisant monotherapy, and at SEK 491 128 for pitolisant as an adjunctive treatment, as compared to standard treatment. The cost-effectiveness measure was demonstrated to be particularly sensitive to the assumptions made concerning indirect effects on total healthcare utilization and the pitolisant treatment cost. CONCLUSIONS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were below the unofficial willingness-to-pay threshold at SEK 500 000. The estimated costs per additional QALY obtained here are likely to overestimate the true cost-effectiveness ratio since significant potential indirect effects-pertaining both to labor-market and household-related productivity-of treatment are not taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Bolin
- Department of Economics and Centre for Health Economics University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | | | - Laura Pirhonen
- Department of Economics and Centre for Health Economics University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Pontus Wasling
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Anne‐Marie Landtblom
- Department of Neuroscience/Neurology University of Uppsala Uppsala Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine IKE, Neurology University of Linköping Linköping Sweden
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Javaheri S, Javaheri S. Update on Persistent Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in OSA. Chest 2020; 158:776-86. [PMID: 32147246 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OSA is a highly prevalent sleep disorder, and subjective excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the cardinal symptom for which many individuals seek medical advice. Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, first-line treatment for OSA, eliminates EDS in most patients. However, a subset of patients suffers from persistent EDS despite adherence to therapy. Multiple conditions, some reversible, could account for the residual sleepiness and need to be explored, requiring detailed history, review of PAP data from the smart card, and sometimes additional testing. When all known causes of EDS are excluded, in adequately treated subjects, the purported mechanisms could relate to long-term exposure to the OSA-related sleep fragmentation, sleep deprivation, and hypoxic injury to the arousal system, shifts in melatonin secretion, or altered microbiome. Independent of the mechanism, in well-treated OSA, pharmacological therapy with approved drugs can be considered. Modafinil is commonly prescribed to combat residual EDS, but more recently two drugs, solriamfetol, a dual dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and pitolisant, a histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist, were approved for EDS. Solriamfetol has undergone randomized controlled trials for treatment of EDS associated with both OSA and narcolepsy, exhibiting robust efficacy. Solriamfetol is renally excreted, with no known drug interactions. Pitolisant, which is nonscheduled, has undergone multiple RCTs in narcolepsy, showing improvement in subjective and objective EDS and one OSA trial showing improvement in subjective EDS.
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23
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Solriamfetol (Sunosi) for excessive daytime sleepiness. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2019; 61:132-4. [PMID: 31581157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
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Pullen LC, Picone M, Tan L, Johnston C, Stark H. Cognitive Improvements in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome Following Pitolisant Treatment-Patient Reports. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2019; 24:166-171. [PMID: 31019411 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-24.2.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
While children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disease with an incidence of 1:15,000, typically present with hypotonia and hyperphagia, their lives are made more difficult by an ever-present sleepiness as well as multiple neuro-cognitive dysfunctions, including cognitive defects. We describe a case series of 3 children who were treated with the histamine 3 receptor inverse agonist pitolisant. While this first-in-class inverse agonist is approved for another orphan disease (i.e., narcolepsy with or without cataplexy), we have observed that pediatric patients with PWS prescribed pitolisant demonstrate decreased daytime sleepiness and improved cognition, as evidenced by increased processing speed and improved mental clarity. Pitolisant may represent a novel therapeutic option that might relieve substantial PWS disease burden, including cognitive disability, excessive daytime sleepiness, and poor-quality nighttime sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano de Biase
- a Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences , University Hospital of Udine , Udine , Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gigli
- a Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences , University Hospital of Udine , Udine , Italy.,b DMIF , University of Udine , Udine , Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Valente
- a Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences , University Hospital of Udine , Udine , Italy.,c Department of Medicine , University of Udine Medical School , Udine , Italy
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Romigi A, Vitrani G, Lo Giudice T, Centonze D, Franco V. Profile of pitolisant in the management of narcolepsy: design, development, and place in therapy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2018; 12:2665-2675. [PMID: 30214155 PMCID: PMC6124464 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s101145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and rapid eye movement sleep dysregulation, manifesting as cataplexy and sleep paralysis, as well as hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations. Disease onset may occur at any age, although adolescents and young adults are mainly affected. Currently, the diagnosis delay ranges from 8 to 10 years and drug therapy may only attenuate symptoms. Pitolisant is a first-in-class new drug currently authorized by the European Medicines Agency to treat narcolepsy with or without cataplexy in adults and with an expanded evaluation for the treatment of neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. This article reviews the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of pitolisant, highlighting its effectiveness and safety in patients with narcolepsy. We performed a systematic review of the literature using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. We report on the efficacy and safety data of pitolisant in narcoleptic patients regarding cataplexy episodes and subjective and objective daytime sleepiness. The development program of pitolisant was characterized by eight Phase II/III studies. One proof-of-concept study followed by two pivotal studies, three randomized controlled trials, and two open studies were evaluated. Our review confirmed the effectiveness of pitolisant in treating major clinically relevant narcolepsy symptoms, including cataplexy, as compared to placebo. In addition, pitolisant revealed a safe profile when compared with placebo and active comparators. Headache, insomnia, and nausea were the prominent side effects. Further long-term randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of pitolisant with active comparators (ie, modafinil and sodium oxybate) may clarify its real place in therapy and its possible use as a first-line agent on the basis of its safety and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Romigi
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy,
| | - Giuseppe Vitrani
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy,
| | | | - Diego Centonze
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy, .,Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Narcolepsy is a neurological disease that affects 1 in 2,000 individuals and is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). In 60-70% of individuals with narcolepsy, it is also characterized by cataplexy or a sudden loss of muscle tone that is triggered by positive or negative emotions. Narcolepsy decreases the quality of life of the afflicted individuals. Currently used drugs treat EDS alone (modafinil/armodafinil, methylphenidate, and amphetamine), cataplexy alone ("off-label" use of antidepressants), or both EDS and cataplexy (sodium oxybate). These drugs have abuse, tolerability, and adherence issues. A greater diversity of drug options is needed to treat narcolepsy. The small molecule drug, pitolisant, acts as an inverse agonist/antagonist at the H3 receptor, thus increasing histaminergic tone in the wake promoting system of the brain. Pitolisant has been studied in animal models of narcolepsy and used in clinical trials as a treatment for narcolepsy. A comprehensive search of online databases (eg, Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library Database, Ovid MEDLINE, Europe PubMed Central, EBSCOhost CINAHL, ProQuest Research Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov) was performed. Nonrandomized and randomized studies were included. This review focuses on the outcomes of four clinical trials of pitolisant to treat narcolepsy. These four trials show that pitolisant is an effective drug to treat EDS and cataplexy in narcolepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Calik
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Science
- Center for Narcolepsy, Sleep and Health Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Abstract
Narcolepsy is a life-long, underrecognized sleep disorder that affects 0.02%-0.18% of the US and Western European populations. Genetic predisposition is suspected because of narcolepsy's strong association with HLA DQB1*06-02, and genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms in T-cell receptor loci. Narcolepsy pathophysiology is linked to loss of signaling by hypocretin-producing neurons; an autoimmune etiology possibly triggered by some environmental agent may precipitate hypocretin neuronal loss. Current treatment modalities alleviate the main symptoms of excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) and cataplexy and, to a lesser extent, reduce nocturnal sleep disruption, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Sodium oxybate (SXB), a sodium salt of γ hydroxybutyric acid, is a first-line agent for cataplexy and EDS and may help sleep disruption, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Various antidepressant medications including norepinephrine serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants are second-line agents for treating cataplexy. In addition to SXB, modafinil and armodafinil are first-line agents to treat EDS. Second-line agents for EDS are stimulants such as methylphenidate and extended-release amphetamines. Emerging therapies include non-hypocretin-based therapy, hypocretin-based treatments, and immunotherapy to prevent hypocretin neuronal death. Non-hypocretin-based novel treatments for narcolepsy include pitolisant (BF2.649, tiprolisant); JZP-110 (ADX-N05) for EDS in adults; JZP 13-005 for children; JZP-386, a deuterated sodium oxybate oral suspension; FT 218 an extended-release formulation of SXB; and JNJ-17216498, a new formulation of modafinil. Clinical trials are investigating efficacy and safety of SXB, modafinil, and armodafinil in children. γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) modulation with GABAA receptor agonists clarithromycin and flumazenil may help daytime somnolence. Other drugs investigated include GABAB agonists (baclofen), melanin-concentrating hormone antagonist, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone agonists. Hypocretin-based therapies include hypocretin peptide replacement administered either through an intracerebroventricular route or intranasal route. Hypocretin neuronal transplant and transforming stem cells into hypothalamic neurons are also discussed in this article. Immunotherapy to prevent hypocretin neuronal death is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien C Abad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Sleep Medicine, Stanford University Outpatient Center, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Christian Guilleminault
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Sleep Medicine, Stanford University Outpatient Center, Redwood City, CA, USA
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Nirogi R, Ajjala DR, Kandikere V, Pantangi HR, Jonnala MR, Bhyrapuneni G, Muddana NR, Vurimindi H. LC-MS/MS method for the determination of pitolisant: application to rat pharmacokinetic and brain penetration studies. Biomed Chromatogr 2013; 27:1431-7. [PMID: 23760876 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.2939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A simple and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantitation of pitolisant, an H3 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. Acetonitrile protein precipitation technique was used to prepare rat blood and brain tissue homogenate samples by using aripiprazole as internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was performed by using Xbridge column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3.5 µm) with a gradient elution program. The mobile phase consists of ammonium formate (10 mm) with 0.2% formic acid and acetonitrile. Multiple reaction monitoring mode was used in positive polarity with a transition of m/z 296.3 → 98.2 for the pitolisant and m/z 448.2 → 285.3 for the IS. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.1-100 ng/mL in both the blood and brain homogenate samples. This method was applied to quantify samples obtained from the pharmacokinetic and brain penetration studies in male wistar rats. Mean maximum concentration, area under the curve from zero to infinity and half-life of the pitolisant were found to be 3.4 ± 1.7 ng/mL, 5 ± 4 ng h/mL and 1.9 ± 0.3 h, respectively, after a 3 mg/kg oral dose. The mean calculated concentrations in the brain were found to be 38, 60 and 52 ng/g at 0.5, 1 and 2 h, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramakrishna Nirogi
- Biopharmaceutical Research, Suven Life Sciences Ltd, Serene Chambers, Road 5, Avenue 7, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500034, India
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