The manufacturer of Abilify Maintena is Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [1]. Abilify Maintena is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder [2].
Who else sells Abilify Maintena?
Otsuka Pharmaceutical has partnered with Lundbeck for the commercialization of Abilify Maintena in various regions, including the United States and Europe [1][3]. This collaboration allows for wider distribution and market presence for the medication [3].
When did Abilify Maintena become available?
Abilify Maintena was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 [4]. Its introduction provided a new long-acting injectable option for patients managing chronic psychotic disorders [2][4].
What is Abilify Maintena used for?
Abilify Maintena is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and bipolar I disorder (manic and mixed episodes) in adults [2]. It is administered as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional and is designed to provide therapeutic levels of the active ingredient over an extended period, typically once a month [2][5].
How does Abilify Maintena work?
Abilify Maintena's active ingredient is aripiprazole, which is a partial agonist of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and an antagonist of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors [6]. This mechanism of action is thought to help regulate the neurotransmitter activity in the brain that is implicated in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder [6].
What are the side effects of Abilify Maintena?
Common side effects associated with Abilify Maintena can include injection site reactions, akathisia (restlessness), headache, and weight gain [2]. More serious potential side effects, though less common, may involve movement disorders, metabolic changes, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome [2][7]. Patients should discuss potential side effects and their management with their healthcare provider [2].
What is the patent status for Abilify Maintena?
Information regarding specific patent expiry dates for Abilify Maintena and its related formulations can be found on resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [8]. Patent protection is crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturers, influencing market exclusivity and the eventual introduction of generic alternatives [8]. DrugPatentWatch.com provides detailed data on pharmaceutical patents, including for drugs like Abilify Maintena [8].
Are there generic versions of Abilify Maintena?
As of current information, generic versions of Abilify Maintena, which is a long-acting injectable formulation, are typically not available until the patents covering the specific formulation and manufacturing processes expire [8]. Generic competition for injectable antipsychotics can be complex and may depend on different patent expirations compared to oral formulations [8].
What is the difference between Abilify and Abilify Maintena?
Abilify is the brand name for the oral formulation of aripiprazole, while Abilify Maintena is the brand name for a long-acting injectable formulation of the same active ingredient [2][6]. The primary difference lies in their delivery method and duration of action; oral Abilify requires daily dosing, whereas Abilify Maintena is administered intramuscularly once a month, offering sustained therapeutic levels [2][5].
Sources:
[1] Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/
[2] Abilify Maintena prescribing information. https://www.abilify.com/maintena
[3] Lundbeck. https://www.lundbeck.com/
[4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). https://www.fda.gov/
[5] Drug Patent Watch. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[6] Aripiprazole Mechanism of Action. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2826537/
[7] Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Information. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/neuroleptic-malignant-syndrome
[8] DrugPatentWatch.com https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/