September 24, 2024: Teva Pharmaceuticals presented new research demonstrating effective strategies for switching adult patients with schizophrenia from Perseris to Uzedy (risperidone extended-release injectable suspension).
Schizophrenia
This research addresses the complexities of managing schizophrenia, a condition that often necessitates switching between various treatment options. The findings indicate that transitioning to Uzedy four weeks after the last dose of Perseris results in a pharmacokinetic profile that is highly comparable.
Specifically, simulations revealed that Uzedy can be effectively administered at either 100 mg once a month or 200 mg every two months, aligning closely with the dosage of 120 mg of once-monthly Perseris. The results were presented at the 37th Annual European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Milan, Italy,
Schizophrenia, a chronic and severe mental disorder, affects approximately 24 million people worldwide, translating to about 1 in 300 individuals. The condition often manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood and is associated with significant distress and impairment in various aspects of life.
Uzedy flexibility
Dr. Eric Hughes, Executive Vice President of Global R&D and Chief Medical Officer at Teva, emphasized the importance of evidence-based studies in guiding treatment decisions for schizophrenia. He noted that up to 80% of patients may experience multiple relapses within the first five years of their diagnosis, making effective switching strategies vital in their treatment journey.
Uzedy offers several advantages over traditional formulations of risperidone or paliperidone palmitate. Notably, it eliminates the need for overloading of supplements at initiation and supports flexible dosing intervals—either monthly or bi-monthly—alongside subcutaneous injections.
In addition to the pharmacokinetic analysis, Teva presented results from the ADVANCE (Attitudes Driving Regional Differences in LAI Antipsychotic Utilization for Schizophrenia Among Healthcare Professionals, Patients and Caregivers) survey, which explored attitudes towards long-acting injectable antipsychotics among healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. The survey highlighted that many concerns associated with long-acting treatments can be effectively managed with Uzedy.
Richard Malamut, Chief Medical Officer at Medincell, expressed optimism about the drug-switching strategies. He reiterated that understanding patient needs and preferences is essential for tailoring treatment plans. As healthcare providers continue to seek innovative solutions for managing schizophrenia, these data insights may improve patient outcomes through more personalized treatment approaches.
Research pipeline
US-based Neurocrine Biosciences’ trial drug for treating schizophrenia reduced the severity of the disease symptoms in a mid-stage study of 210 adult participants.
The dose-finding study met its primary endpoint for the once-daily 20 mg dose, according to a company statement.
A recent study published in The Lancet says a potential game-changer in schizophrenia treatment is KarXT.
KarXT, developed by biotech company Karuna Therapeutics, has come up with a treatment targeting a distinct brain chemical. KarXT zeroes in on the muscarinic neurotransmitter system, linked to cognition, offering a potential avenue for reduced side effects. The traditional treatment for schizophrenia targets dopamine.
