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Donepezil

Generic Name
Donepezil
Brand Names
Adlarity, Aricept, Namzaric
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C24H29NO3
CAS Number
120014-06-4
Unique Ingredient Identifier
8SSC91326P
Background

In 2016, the global burden of dementia was estimated to be 43.8 million, demonstrating a significant increase from a global prevalence of 20.2 million in 1990. Donepezil, also known as Aricept, is a piperidine derivative acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the management of the dementia of Alzheimer's Disease, and in some cases, is used to manage other types of dementia.

Donepezil was first approved by the FDA in 1996, and its extended-release form was approved in combination with Memantine in 2014 to manage moderate and severe forms of Alzheimer's dementia. A donepezil transdermal delivery system, Adlarity, was approved by the FDA in March 2022 for the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia. Though it does not alter the progression of Alzheimer's disease, donepezil is effective in managing the symptoms of its associated dementia.

Indication

Donepezil, administered orally or via transdermal delivery system, is indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. It is also available as an extended-release capsule in combination with memantine for the treatment of moderate-to-severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type in patients previously stabilized on 10mg of donepezil hydrochloride once daily.

Off-label uses include the management of vascular dementia, Parkinson's Disease-associated dementia, and Lewy body dementia, amongst others.

Associated Conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Dementia With Lewy Body Disease, Dementia due to Parkinson's disease, Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia (VaD), Moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia, Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia
Clinical Trials
Related News

Phase 3 HOPE Trial Tests Novel Light-Sound Therapy Device for Moderate Alzheimer's Treatment

• Cognito Therapeutics' SPECTRIS AD headset, delivering calibrated light and sound stimulation to induce gamma brain waves, shows promise in reducing brain volume loss in Alzheimer's patients. • The Phase 3 HOPE trial is actively recruiting moderate-stage Alzheimer's patients, offering a non-invasive, at-home treatment option requiring one hour of daily use. • Earlier Phase 2 results demonstrated slower cognitive decline and preserved brain mass in treated patients, suggesting potential as both standalone and combination therapy.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals Gains FDA Approval for Alzheimer's and Oncology Treatments

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Cholinesterase Inhibitors Show Promise in Managing Cognitive Decline in Lewy Body Dementia

• A recent 10-year study suggests that cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) may be effective in managing cognitive decline in patients with Lewy body dementia (LBD). • Donepezil and galantamine, types of ChEIs, demonstrated the most promise in reducing cognitive decline over a five-year period in LBD patients. • Rivastigmine showed a significant beneficial effect in reducing mortality risk after a one-year follow-up, highlighting its potential in managing LBD. • The study indicates that higher doses of ChEIs may provide greater cognitive benefits, while memantine showed no significant cognitive effect in LBD patients.

FDA Approves Zunveyl, a Novel Oral Galantamine Formulation, for Alzheimer's Symptoms

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