MedPath

Olanzapine

Generic Name
Olanzapine
Brand Names
Lybalvi, Olazax, Symbyax, Zalasta, Zypadhera, Zyprexa, Olanzapine Glenmark Europe, Olanzapine Apotex, Olanzapine Teva, Olazax Disperzi, Olanzapine Mylan, Zyprexa Velotab, Olanzapine Glenmark
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4S
CAS Number
132539-06-1
Unique Ingredient Identifier
N7U69T4SZR
Background

Olanzapine is a thienobenzodiazepine classified as an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent. The second-generation antipsychotics were introduced in the 90s and quickly gained traction due to their impressive efficacy, reduced risk for extrapyramidal side effects and reduced susceptibility to drug-drug interactions. Olanzapine very closely resembles clozapine and only differs by two additional methyl groups and the absence of a chloride moiety. It was discovered by scientists at Eli Lilly and approved to be marketed in the US in 1996.

Indication

Olanzapine was initially used orally and intramuscularly for the chronic treatment of schizophrenia in patients over 13 years old and other psychiatric disorders such as bipolar I disorder including mixed or manic episodes.

Olanzapine is also indicated, in combination with lithium or valproate for the short-term treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults.

As well, olanzapine is indicated, in combination with fluoxetine for the treatment of episodes of depression associated with bipolar disorder type 1 and treatment-resistant depression in patients over 10 years old.

Olanzapine is also approved for the management of psychomotor agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar I mania.

Schizophrenia is a complex biochemical brain disorder that affects the person's ability to differentiate reality. It is usually observed as the presence of delusions, hallucinations, social withdrawal and disturbed thinking.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition defined by periods of extreme mood disturbances. It is categorized in different types from which type 1 is known to involve episodes of severe mania and often depression while type 2 presents less severe forms of mania.

Olanzapine is also indicated in combination with samidorphan for the treatment of bipolar I disorder, either as an adjunct to lithium or valproate or as monotherapy for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes or as maintenance therapy, and for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Associated Conditions
Acute Agitation, Bipolar 1 Disorder, Bipolar Disorder With Manic or Mixed Episodes, Delirium, Delusional Parasitosis, Depressive Episodes, Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome, Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, Mixed manic depressive episode, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Acute Manic episode

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MedinCell's Olanzapine LAI Phase 3 Trial Completes, Triggering $5M Milestone Payment from Teva

• MedinCell has successfully completed the SOLARIS Phase 3 trial for their long-acting injectable olanzapine formulation in schizophrenia treatment, reaching a significant development milestone. • The completion of the pivotal study has triggered a $5 million milestone payment from development partner Teva Pharmaceuticals, demonstrating continued progress in the program. • The companies are advancing towards U.S. regulatory submission, aiming to address an important unmet need in schizophrenia treatment through this novel long-acting formulation.

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Schizophrenia Market Set for Strong Growth, Driven by Novel Therapies

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Olanzapine LAI Shows Promise in Schizophrenia Treatment with Improved Safety Profile

• Phase III data for TEV-'749, an olanzapine long-acting injectable (LAI), demonstrates significant improvement in social functioning and quality of life for schizophrenia patients. • TEV-'749 shows no incidents of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS), a major barrier for existing olanzapine LAIs due to FDA black box warning. • Real-world data indicates high use and adherence rates for subcutaneous UZEDY® (risperidone) LAI in adults with schizophrenia facing treatment barriers. • UZEDY was employed as a first-line treatment option in 12% of cases, suggesting its potential as an early intervention for schizophrenia.

Teva's TEV-749 Shows Promise in Phase III Trial for Schizophrenia

• Teva's TEV-749 (olanzapine) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in schizophrenia symptoms in the Phase III SOLARIS trial over eight weeks. • The trial assessed three doses of TEV-749, showing improvements in social functioning and quality of life compared to placebo. • TEV-749, administered via subcutaneous injection, aims to improve patient adherence and reduce the risk of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS). • If approved, TEV-749 is projected to reach annual sales of $315 million by 2030 in the US, offering a new long-acting treatment option.

Teva's Olanzapine LAI Shows Positive Phase 3 Results for Schizophrenia

• Teva presented Phase 3 SOLARIS trial data showing Olanzapine LAI significantly improved social functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia patients. • The study reported no cases of Post-Injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome (PDSS) with Medincell's subcutaneous delivery technology. • Real-world data on UZEDY demonstrated high adherence rates among schizophrenia patients with social vulnerabilities. • UZEDY's usage data highlights the need for innovative treatments to address the challenges faced by individuals with schizophrenia.

Teva's TEV-‘749 Shows Positive Phase 3 Results for Schizophrenia Treatment

• Teva's TEV-‘749 demonstrated significant improvement in social functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia patients during the Phase 3 SOLARIS trial. • The systemic safety profile of TEV-‘749 was consistent with approved oral olanzapine formulations, with no new safety signals identified. • In vitro data and Phase 1 results suggest TEV-‘749's delivery method may mitigate the risk of Post-Injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome (PDSS). • The data, focusing on patient outcomes, were presented at Psych Congress 2024, highlighting the potential of TEV-‘749 as a schizophrenia treatment.

Schizophrenia Clinical Trial Pipeline Boasts 60+ Drugs Under Development

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Teva's TEV-749 Shows Promise in Schizophrenia Treatment with No PDSS Incidence

• Teva's TEV-749, a once-monthly subcutaneous olanzapine injection, significantly improved schizophrenia symptoms in a Phase 3 trial, meeting its primary endpoint. • The SOLARIS trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PANSS, CGI-S, and PSP scores compared to placebo at week 8 across three dosing groups. • Notably, no cases of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS) were observed, a significant advantage over existing long-acting olanzapine treatments. • The safety profile of TEV-749 was consistent with oral olanzapine, with long-term safety data expected in the first half of 2025.

FDA Approves Cobenfy, a Novel Schizophrenia Treatment Targeting Cholinergic Receptors

• The FDA has approved Cobenfy (xanomeline and trospium chloride) as the first new class of drug for schizophrenia in over 30 years, offering a novel approach to treatment. • Cobenfy targets muscarinic receptors, unlike traditional antipsychotics that focus on dopamine, potentially reducing side effects like weight gain and movement disorders. • Clinical trials demonstrated Cobenfy significantly reduced schizophrenia symptoms compared to placebo, marking a transformative moment in managing this challenging condition. • Expected to launch in late October, Cobenfy offers a new option for adults with schizophrenia, with ongoing studies exploring its potential in Alzheimer's psychosis and other conditions.
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