Austedo is a brand-name prescription medication containing the active ingredients deutetrabenazine [1]. It is used to treat chorea associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia [1].
How does Austedo work?
Austedo works by reducing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, specifically dopamine [1]. Deutetrabenazine is a reversible inhibitor of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), an enzyme that helps transport monoamines like dopamine into storage vesicles within nerve cells [1]. By inhibiting VMAT2, deutetrabenazine decreases the amount of dopamine available for release, which helps to manage involuntary movements characteristic of Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia [1].
What is the difference between Austedo and Xenazine?
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) and Xenazine (tetrabenazine) are both used to treat chorea associated with Huntington's disease and work by inhibiting VMAT2 [1][2]. However, Austedo is a deuterium-modified form of tetrabenazine. Deuteration involves replacing some hydrogen atoms with deuterium atoms, a stable isotope of hydrogen. This modification can alter the drug's metabolism, potentially leading to a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile and reduced frequency of dosing compared to tetrabenazine [1][2].
When does Austedo's patent expire?
DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent information for medications. For specific details on Austedo's patent expiry, including any associated exclusivities, DrugPatentWatch.com would be the primary resource [3].
Can generic versions of Austedo be developed?
The development of generic versions of Austedo, known as generics or biosimilars (for biologic drugs), is typically dependent on patent expiry and regulatory approvals [3]. Once patents expire and regulatory hurdles are cleared, other manufacturers may be able to produce and market generic versions of the drug, potentially offering lower-cost alternatives [3].
What are the side effects of Austedo?
Common side effects of Austedo can include drowsiness, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and nausea [1]. More serious side effects may include an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious condition [1]. Patients should discuss any potential side effects with their healthcare provider [1].
How is Austedo prescribed and dosed?
Austedo is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased by a healthcare provider [1]. The dosage is individualized based on the patient's condition and response to treatment [1]. Austedo is available in tablet form and is usually taken twice a day [1].
What is tardive dyskinesia and how is it treated with Austedo?
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements [1]. It is often a side effect of long-term use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics [1]. Austedo is approved to treat tardive dyskinesia by reducing the excessive dopamine activity that contributes to these movements [1].
What is Huntington's disease and how is it treated with Austedo?
Huntington's disease is a progressive, inherited neurological disorder that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain [1]. One of the symptoms of Huntington's disease is chorea, which involves involuntary, jerky movements [1]. Austedo is prescribed to manage these choreiform movements [1].
Are there any contraindications for Austedo?
Austedo is contraindicated in patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have taken them within the last 14 days [1]. It is also contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or those who have taken it in the past [1].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[3] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/