Brexpiprazole

Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic and a novel D2 dopamine and serotonin 1A partial agonist called serotonin-dopamine activity modulator (SDAM). It has a high affinity for serotonin, dopamine and alpha (α)-adrenergic receptors. Although it is structurally similar to aripiprazole, brexpiprazole has different binding affinities for dopamine and serotonin receptors. Compared to aripiprazole, brexpiprazole has less potential for partial agonist-mediated adverse effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, which is attributed to lower intrinsic activity at the D2 receptor. It also displays stronger antagonism at the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors.

Brexpiprazole was first approved by the FDA on July 10, 2015. Currently approved for the treatment of depression, schizophrenia, and agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, brexpiprazole has also been investigated in other psychiatric disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Brexpiprazole is indicated as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. It is also indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in patients 13 years of age and older.

Brexpiprazole is also indicated for the treatment of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease; however, it is not indicated as an as-needed (“prn”) treatment for this condition.