See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Austedo
Austedo is a prescription medication approved for two primary indications: tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington's disease.
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements. These movements often affect the face, tongue, lips, or jaw, and can also involve the limbs and trunk [1]. Austedo is indicated for the treatment of this condition in adults [2].
How Does Austedo Work for Tardive Dyskinesia?
Austedo contains the active ingredients deutetrabenazine. Deutetrabenazine is a reversible inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) [3]. VMAT2 is involved in the transport of monoamines, such as dopamine, within nerve cells. By inhibiting VMAT2, deutetrabenazine reduces the amount of dopamine available for release in the brain, which is thought to help alleviate the involuntary movements associated with tardive dyskinesia [3][4].
What is Chorea Associated with Huntington's Disease?
Huntington's disease is a progressive, inherited neurological disorder that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Chorea, a hallmark symptom of Huntington's disease, refers to involuntary, irregular, and jerky movements of the limbs, face, and trunk [5]. Austedo is also indicated for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease in adults [2].
How is Austedo Dosed for Huntington's Disease?
Similar to its use in tardive dyskinesia, Austedo's mechanism for treating chorea in Huntington's disease involves its action as a VMAT2 inhibitor. The reduction in dopamine signaling is believed to help manage the characteristic involuntary movements of chorea [3][4][5].
What are the Differences Between Austedo and Other VMAT2 Inhibitors?
Austedo's active ingredient is deutetrabenazine, a deuterated form of tetrabenazine [3]. Deuteration involves replacing certain hydrogen atoms with deuterium atoms, which can alter a drug's metabolic profile. This difference may affect how the drug is processed in the body compared to older VMAT2 inhibitors like tetrabenazine [4]. Information on patent expirations and exclusivity for Austedo can be found on DrugPatentWatch.com [6].
What Clinical Data Supports Austedo's Efficacy?
The approval of Austedo for tardive dyskinesia was based on clinical trials demonstrating a significant reduction in the severity of involuntary movements compared to placebo [1][3]. Similarly, studies for Huntington's disease showed that Austedo effectively reduced chorea symptoms [5].
What are the Potential Side Effects of Austedo?
Common side effects associated with Austedo can include drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation [1][5]. A significant safety concern with VMAT2 inhibitors is the potential for depression and suicidal ideation. Patients taking Austedo should be monitored for these symptoms [1][5].
When Does Austedo's Patent Expiration Occur?
Information regarding the patent exclusivity and potential expiration dates for Austedo can be accessed through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [6]. This data is crucial for understanding when generic or biosimilar versions of the medication might become available.