When Did Austedo Become Available?
Austedo was launched in the United States in May 2017 [1].
What Is Austedo Used For?
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) is a prescription medication used to treat chorea associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia [1].
What Are the Benefits of Deutetrabenazine Over Tetrabenazine?
Austedo's active ingredient, deutetrabenazine, is a deuterium-deuterated form of tetrabenazine. The deuteration of tetrabenazine's metabolites is intended to slow their breakdown in the body. This potentially allows for a lower dose and less frequent dosing compared to tetrabenazine, and may also reduce peak-to-trough fluctuations in drug levels [2].
What is the Patent Situation for Austedo?
The patent landscape for Austedo involves several patents protecting its composition of matter, methods of use, and manufacturing processes. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patents related to pharmaceuticals like Austedo, which can inform the timeline for generic competition [3].
When Does Austedo's Patent Protection End?
Information on the specific expiry dates of Austedo's patents can be found through patent databases. Generally, patent protection for a drug can extend for many years from its initial launch, but the exact duration varies based on patent type and any extensions granted [3].
Who Manufactures Austedo?
Austedo is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals [1].
What Clinical Data Supports Austedo's Use?
Clinical trials have demonstrated Austedo's efficacy in reducing chorea associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia. For example, the AIM-HD study showed significant reductions in chorea severity in patients with Huntington's disease [4]. Similarly, the ARM-TD studies demonstrated efficacy in patients with tardive dyskinesia [5].
What Are the Side Effects of Austedo?
Common side effects of Austedo can include drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, and upper respiratory tract infections. More serious risks involve depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and parkinsonism [1]. Patients taking Austedo must be monitored for these potential adverse events.
What Are Alternatives to Austedo?
For Huntington's disease chorea, tetrabenazine is an alternative medication. For tardive dyskinesia, other treatment options may be available depending on the patient's specific condition and medical history. Consulting with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment.
How Does Austedo Pricing Compare?
The pricing of prescription medications can vary significantly based on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location. Austedo, like many specialty medications, can have a high list price, but patient assistance programs may be available to help offset costs for eligible individuals [1].
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Sources:
[1] Teva Pharmaceuticals. Austedo® (deutetrabenazine) Prescribing Information.
[2] Claassen, D. O. (2017). Deutetrabenazine for chorea in Huntington’s disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 377(11), 1093-1094.
[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Austedo Patents. Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[4] O'Riordan, S., et al. (2017). Deutetrabenazine for the treatment of chorea in Huntington's disease. The Lancet Neurology, 16(10), 779-789.
[5] Ondo, W. G., et al. (2017). Deutetrabenazine for tardive dyskinesia. The New England Journal of Medicine, 377(11), 1096-1097.