Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale Archives

[Cariprazine image courtesy of PubChem]

The dopamine D3 receptor-targeting cariprazine could potentially be a new tool for managing anhedonia, one of the most stubborn symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). Characterized by a lack of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities, anhedonia has been “difficult to address with traditional antidepressants,” said Dr. Vladimir Maletic, coauthor of a poster presented at the U.S. Psych Congress annual meeting held earlier this month in Nashville.

In a post hoc analysis focusing on the adjunctive use of AbbVie’s dopamine D-preferring D3/D2 cariprazine in MDD patients with an inadequate response to one to three antidepressant therapies, patients saw a notable improvement in overall depressive symptoms and, specifically, anhedonia symptoms. This improvement, measured with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), was observable as early as week 2…

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for cariprazine (Vraylar)for major depressive disorder (MDD).

FDA first approved cariprazine for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in 2015. Current indications of the drug cover the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

In its recent sNDA, AbbVie is attempting to secure approval of the drug as an adjunctive treatment with MDD who receive ongoing antidepressants.

Antidepressants are a cornerstone of treating depression, although experts are divided on the efficacy of antidepressants in general. One study published on InformedHealth.org found that antidepressants at large are roughly 20% more effective than placebo in treating depression.

In the submission, AbbVie included data on cariprazine recipients showing clinical improvements based on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Ratin…

Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale

Early data suggest adjunctive cariprazine could be a promising tool for tackling stubborn anhedonia in MDD

AbbVie files supplemental New Drug Application with FDA for cariprazine