- PK modeling data provide insights into potential dosing conversions and strategies for switching to UZEDY from a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation of risperidone microspheres (R064766)
- Additional UZEDY data include a new analysis from the Phase 3 RISE trial reinforcing its efficacy and safety profile in adults with schizophrenia
- ADVANCE, a global survey study, will also provide real-world findings on LAI utilization from healthcare professionals, caregivers and patients
TEL AVIV, Israel & PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), today announced the presentation of eight studies from its LAI schizophrenia research program, including data evaluating UZEDY, an extended-release injectable suspension of risperidone for subcutaneous use every one or two months for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. The data were presented at the 2024 Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) taking place from April 3-7, 2024 in Florence, Italy.
“As part of Teva’s commitment to advancing treatment innovation for schizophrenia patients, this research provides clinical insights into how healthcare providers may switch appropriate patients to UZEDY, a subcutaneous risperidone LAI option with flexible dosing,” said Eric Hughes, MD, Ph.D, Executive Vice President of Global R&D and Chief Medical Officer at Teva. “Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition where the treatment needs and preferences of those living with it may evolve over time. These data collectively demonstrate the efficacy and safety profile of UZEDY – reinforcing its potential as a treatment option that may help lower rates of relapse and hospitalization.”
Presented data include population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling to investigate dosing conversion strategies for switching patients to a once-monthly or once every two-months subcutaneous dose of UZEDY from a biweekly intramuscular LAI formulation of risperidone microspheres (R064766). The analysis aims to address the knowledge gap as limited clinical data currently exist on optimal strategies for switching between the various available LAI treatment options, which have differing pharmacokinetic (PK) properties.
In the PopPK analysis, patient model simulations showed that switching to UZEDY at 4-6 weeks after the last dose of R064766 provided comparable PK exposures by the second dose. Specifically, switching patients to UZEDY 5 weeks after the last dose of R064766 achieved PK exposures similar to those achieved with R064766 at a steady state. The optimal switching strategy should be determined by clinicians on an individual basis, considering factors such as patient preference, scheduling convenience, and potential tolerability issues or risk of symptom breakthrough.
Additional key data being presented at the SIRS Annual Meeting include:
New data from RISE (Risperidone Subcutaneous Extended-Release Study), the Phase 3 pivotal trial that supported the FDA approval of UZEDY. An analysis estimated the number needed to treat (NNT) and the number needed to harm (NNH), clinically relevant measures that help provide healthcare providers with an understanding of the benefits and risks of UZEDY and inform clinical decision-making.
Qualitative data from two ADVANCE (Attitudes Driving Regional Differences in LAI Antipsychotic Utilization for Schizophrenia Among Healthcare Professionals, Patients, and Caregivers) surveys:
- In the healthcare provider survey, ten psychiatrists (spending an average of 45% of their time at hospital-based outpatient clinics) and seven psychiatric nurses (averaging 47% of time at community mental health centers) were interviewed. Findings suggest that regional differences in LAI utilization rates are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including systemic, HCP, and patient factors.
- In the patient survey, approximately 20 patients and 19 caregivers completed a 60-minute interview regarding the use of LAIs in schizophrenia. Unfavorable early experiences, especially in the inpatient setting, can negatively impact patients’ perception of and willingness to accept LAIs. The survey findings offer further key insights into addressing global adherence and inconsistent utilization challenges with LAIs.
Below is the full set of data presented by Teva at SIRS 2024.
AUSTEDO® XR (deutetrabenazine):
- (Encore) Occupational Impact of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): a Cross-Sectional, International Survey Assessing the Perceptions and Experiences of Patients With TD and Physicians Who Treat TD
- (Encore) Burden and Management of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): A Cross-Sectional, International Survey Study to Assess the Perceptions and Experiences of Physicians and Patients With TD
- (De novo) Patient and Caregiver Experiences With Tardive Dyskinesia: Emotions, Challenges, and Unmet Needs in the Patient Journey
UZEDY (risperidone):
- (De novo) Switching Patients With Schizophrenia to TV-46000, a Long-Acting Subcutaneous Antipsychotic (LASCA), From Risperidone Microspheres (R064766): An Exploration of Population Pharmacokinetic (PopPK)–Based Strategies
- (De novo) Clinical Benefit and Risk Profile of TV-46000 for Patients With Schizophrenia as Assessed by Number Needed to Treat (NNT) and Number Needed to Harm (NNH)
TV-44749 (olanzapine):
- (De novo) TV-44749, a Long-Acting Subcutaneous (sc) Injectable Formulation of Olanzapine is Designed to Provide Sustained Controlled Concentrations and to Eliminate the Causes of Post-Injection delirium/sedation Syndrome (PDSS)
- (De novo) Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling Following Administration of Olanzapine for Extended-Release Injectable Suspension (TV-44749) for Subcutaneous Use to Support Dose Selection for Phase 3 Clinical Trial (SOLARIS)
LAI Real-World Insights:
- (De novo) Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI ANtipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among healthcare professionals, patients, and CaregivErs (ADVANCE): healthcare professional qualitative interviews
- (De novo) Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI ANtipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among healthcare professionals, patients, and CaregivErs (ADVANCE): patient and caregiver qualitative interviews
- (De novo) Initiation Regimens for Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics Requiring Oral Supplementation: Impact on Subsequent Maintenance Treatment Adherence and Persistence
INDICATION AND USAGE
UZEDY (risperidone) extended-release injectable suspension for subcutaneous use is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. UZEDY is not approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis and has not been studied in this patient population.
See below for additional Important Safety Information.
TV-44749 (olanzapine) is an investigational extended-release injectable suspension for subcutaneous use and is not approved by any regulatory authority for any use and its safety and efficacy are not established.
About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic, progressive and severely debilitating mental disorder that affects how one thinks, feels and acts.1 Patients experience an array of symptoms, which may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior and impaired cognitive ability.1,2,3 Approximately 1% of the world’s population will develop schizophrenia in their lifetime, and 3.5 million people in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with the condition.2,3 Although schizophrenia can occur at any age, the average age of onset tends to be in the late teens to the early 20s for men, and the late 20s to early 30s for women.3 The long-term course of schizophrenia is marked by episodes of partial or full remission broken by relapses that often occur in the context of psychiatric emergency and require hospitalization.3 Approximately 80% of patients experience multiple relapses over the first five years of treatment, and each relapse carries a biological risk of loss of function, treatment refractoriness, and changes in brain morphology.4,5,6 Patients are often unaware of their illness and its consequences, contributing to treatment nonadherence, high discontinuation rates, and ultimately, significant direct and indirect healthcare costs from subsequent relapses and hospitalizations.1,2,3,4,5,6
About UZEDY
UZEDY (risperidone) extended-release injectable suspension, for subcutaneous use, is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. In clinical trials, UZEDY significantly reduced the risk of schizophrenia relapse.7,8 UZEDY administers risperidone through copolymer technology under license from MedinCell that allows for absorption and sustained release after subcutaneous injection. UZEDY is the only long-acting, subcutaneous formulation of risperidone available in both one- and two-month dosing intervals.7 For full prescribing information, visit https://www.uzedy.com/globalassets/uzedy/prescribing-information.pdf.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTINUED
CONTRAINDICATIONS: UZEDY is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to risperidone, its metabolite, paliperidone, or to any of its components. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema, have been reported in patients treated with risperidone or paliperidone.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions: In trials of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, there was a significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, in patients treated with oral risperidone compared to placebo. UZEDY is not approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): NMS, a potentially fatal symptom complex, has been reported in association with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status including delirium, and autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. If NMS is suspected, immediately discontinue UZEDY and provide symptomatic treatment and monitoring.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): TD, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements, may develop in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs. Although the prevalence of the syndrome appears to be highest among the elderly, especially elderly women, it is impossible to predict which patients will develop the syndrome. Whether antipsychotic drug products differ in their potential to cause TD is unknown.
The risk of developing TD and the likelihood that it will become irreversible are believed to increase with the duration of treatment and the cumulative dose. The syndrome can develop, after relatively brief treatment periods, even at low doses. It may also occur after discontinuation. TD may remit, partially or completely, if antipsychotic treatment is discontinued. Antipsychotic treatment, itself, however, may suppress (or partially suppress) the signs and symptoms of the syndrome, possibly masking the underlying process. The effect that symptomatic suppression has upon the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown.
If signs and symptoms of TD appear in a patient treated with UZEDY, drug discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with UZEDY despite the presence of the syndrome. In patients who do require chronic treatment, use the lowest dose and the shortest duration of treatment producing a satisfactory clinical response. Periodically reassess the need for continued treatment.
Metabolic Changes: Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with metabolic changes that may increase cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risk. These metabolic changes include hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and body weight gain. While all of the drugs in the class have been shown to produce some metabolic changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile.
Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus (DM), in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, have been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including risperidone. Patients with an established diagnosis of DM who are started on atypical antipsychotics, including UZEDY, should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients with risk factors for DM (e.g., obesity, family history of diabetes) who are starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics, including UZEDY, should undergo fasting blood glucose (FBG) testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics, including UZEDY, should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics, including UZEDY, should undergo FBG testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when the atypical antipsychotic, including risperidone, was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of antidiabetic treatment despite discontinuation of risperidone.
Dyslipidemia has been observed in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.
Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use. Monitoring weight is recommended.
Hyperprolactinemia: As with other drugs that antagonize dopamine D2 receptors, risperidone elevates prolactin levels and the elevation persists during chronic administration. Risperidone is associated with higher levels of prolactin elevation than other antipsychotic agents.
Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope: UZEDY may induce orthostatic hypotension associated with dizziness, tachycardia, and in some patients, syncope. UZEDY should be used with particular caution in patients with known cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and conditions which would predispose patients to hypotension and in the elderly and patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Monitoring of orthostatic vital signs should be considered in all such patients, and a dose reduction should be considered if hypotension occurs. Clinically significant hypotension has been observed with concomitant use of oral risperidone and antihypertensive medication.
Falls: Antipsychotics, including UZEDY, may cause somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and sensory instability, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures or other fall-related injuries. Somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and sensory instability have been reported with the use of risperidone. For patients, particularly the elderly, with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects, assess the risk of falls when initiating antipsychotic treatment and recurrently for patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy.
Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis have been reported with antipsychotic agents, including risperidone. In patients with a pre-existing history of a clinically significant low white blood cell count (WBC) or absolute neutrophil count (ANC) or a history of drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia, perform a complete blood count (CBC) frequently during the first few months of therapy. In such patients, consider discontinuation of UZEDY at the first sign of a clinically significant decline in WBC in the absence of other causative factors. Monitor patients with clinically significant neutropenia for fever or other symptoms or signs of infection and treat promptly if such symptoms or signs occur. Discontinue UZEDY in patients with ANC < 1000/mm3) and follow their WBC until recovery.
Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment: UZEDY, like other antipsychotics, may cause somnolence and has the potential to impair judgement, thinking, and motor skills. Somnolence was a commonly reported adverse reaction associated with oral risperidone treatment. Caution patients about operating hazardous machinery, including motor vehicles, until they are reasonably certain that treatment with UZEDY does not affect them adversely.
Seizures: During premarketing studies of oral risperidone in adult patients with schizophrenia, seizures occurred in 0.3% of patients (9 out of 2,607 patients), two in association with hyponatremia. Use UZEDY cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold.
Dysphagia: Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. Antipsychotic drugs, including UZEDY, should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration.
Priapism has been reported during postmarketing surveillance for other risperidone products. A case of priapism was reported in premarket studies of UZEDY. Severe priapism may require surgical intervention.
Body temperature regulation. Disruption of the body’s ability to reduce core body temperature has been attributed to antipsychotic agents. Both hyperthermia and hypothermia have been reported in association with oral risperidone use. Strenuous exercise, exposure to extreme heat, dehydration, and anticholinergic medications may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature; use UZEDY with caution in patients who experience these conditions.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions with risperidone (≥5% and greater than placebo) were parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, tremor, sedation, dizziness, anxiety, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, dyspepsia, diarrhea, salivary hypersecretion, constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite, increased weight, fatigue, rash, nasal congestion, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, and pharyngolaryngeal pain.
The most common injection site reactions with UZEDY (≥5% and greater than placebo) were pruritus and nodule.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
- Carbamazepine and other strong CYP3A4 inducers decrease plasma concentrations of risperidone.
- Fluoxetine, paroxetine, and other strong CYP2D6 inhibitors increase risperidone plasma concentration.
- Due to additive pharmacologic effects, the concomitant use of centrally-acting drugs, including alcohol, may increase nervous system disorders.
- UZEDY may enhance the hypotensive effects of other therapeutic agents with this potential.
- UZEDY may antagonize the pharmacologic effects of dopamine agonists.
- Concomitant use with methylphenidate, when there is change in dosage of either medication, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy: May cause EPS and/or withdrawal symptoms in neonates with third trimester exposure. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, including UZEDY, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by contacting the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or online at http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinicaland-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.
Lactation: Infants exposed to risperidone through breastmilk should be monitored for excess sedation, failure to thrive, jitteriness, and EPS.
Fertility: UZEDY may cause a reversible reduction in fertility in females.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of UZEDY have not been established in pediatric patients.
Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Carefully titrate on oral risperidone up to at least 2 mg daily before initiating treatment with UZEDY.
Patients with Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies can experience increased sensitivity to UZEDY. Manifestations and features are consistent with NMS.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for UZEDY, including Boxed WARNING.
About AUSTEDO® XR Extended-Release Tablets and AUSTEDO® Tablets
AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO are the first vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in adults for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. AUSTEDO XR is the once-daily formulation of AUSTEDO.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
AUSTEDO® XR (deutetrabenazine) extended-release tablets and AUSTEDO® (deutetrabenazine) tablets are indicated in adults for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Depression and Suicidality in Patients with Huntington’s Disease: AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality) in patients with Huntington’s disease. Balance the risks of depression and suicidality with the clinical need for treatment of chorea. Closely monitor patients for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Inform patients, their caregivers, and families of the risk of depression and suicidality and instruct them to report behaviors of concern promptly to the treating physician. Exercise caution when treating patients with a history of depression or prior suicide attempts or ideation. AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO are contraindicated in patients who are suicidal, and in patients with untreated or inadequately treated depression.
Contraindications: AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO are contraindicated in patients with Huntington’s disease who are suicidal, or have untreated or inadequately treated depression. AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO are also contraindicated in: patients with hepatic impairment; patients taking reserpine or within 20 days of discontinuing reserpine; patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI therapy; and patients taking tetrabenazine or valbenazine.
Clinical Worsening and Adverse Events in Patients with Huntington’s Disease: AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO may cause a worsening in mood, cognition, rigidity, and functional capacity. Prescribers should periodically re-evaluate the need for AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO in their patients by assessing the effect on chorea and possible adverse effects.
QTc Prolongation: AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO may prolong the QT interval, but the degree of QT prolongation is not clinically significant when AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO is administered within the recommended dosage range. AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO should be avoided in patients with congenital long QT syndrome and in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal symptom complex reported in association with drugs that reduce dopaminergic transmission, has been observed in patients receiving tetrabenazine. The risk may be increased by concomitant use of dopamine antagonists or antipsychotics.
Contacts
IR
Ran Meir
+1 (267) 468-4475
Yael Ashman
+972 (3) 914 8262
Sanjeev Sharma
+1 (973) 658 2700
PR
Kelley Dougherty
+1 (973) 832-2810
Eden Klein
+972 (3) 906 2645
