Alkermes is a biopharmaceutical company that has been involved in the development and commercialization of Aristada [1]. Aristada is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia [2][3].
What is Aristada used for?
Aristada is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults [2][3]. It is designed to provide consistent medication levels over time, which can be beneficial for patients who have difficulty adhering to daily oral medication regimens [4].
How does Aristada work?
Aristada is an atypical antipsychotic that works by affecting dopamine and serotonin pathways in the brain [3]. It contains aripiprazole, which is aripiprazole lauroxil, a prodrug that is slowly converted to aripiprazole in the body [5]. This sustained release mechanism is delivered through an intramuscular injection [4].
When did Aristada receive FDA approval?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aristada in August 2015 [1].
Who makes Aristada?
Alkermes developed and originally marketed Aristada. In 2017, Alkermes partnered with Lundbeck to co-promote the drug in the U.S. [1][6].
What is the difference between Aristada and other aripiprazole formulations?
Aristada is a long-acting injectable formulation of aripiprazole, distinguishing it from daily oral aripiprazole products like Abilify. The extended-release injection aims to improve treatment adherence and reduce symptom relapse in schizophrenia patients [4][5].
What are the risks associated with Aristada?
Like other antipsychotic medications, Aristada carries potential risks. These include serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may be irreversible, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition [2][3]. Patients may also experience increased risk of stroke in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Other common side effects can include insomnia, headache, and injection site pain [2].
When does Aristada's patent protection expire?
Information regarding the specific patent expiry dates for Aristada is typically tracked by patent monitoring services. DrugPatentWatch.com provides detailed data on drug patents and their expiration timelines [7]. Understanding these dates is crucial for estimating when generic or biosimilar versions of the drug might become available.