scholarly journals Treating Postpartum Depression: What Do We Know about Brexanolone?

Diseases ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Muneeza Ali ◽  
Alifiya Aamir ◽  
Mufaddal Najmuddin Diwan ◽  
Hashir Ali Awan ◽  
Irfan Ullah ◽  
...  

Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as the onset of major depressive disorder in mothers, occurring during pregnancy or within 4 weeks post-delivery. With 7% of pregnancy-related death in the United States owing to mental health conditions, including PPD, and a global prevalence of 12%, PPD is a growing public health concern. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved brexanolone, an exogenous analog of allopregnanolone, as the first ever drug to be specifically indicated for treating patients with PPD. This approval was preceded by an open-label study and three randomized placebo-controlled trials, each assessing the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of brexanolone, using mean Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score reduction as the primary outcome. In each randomized controlled trial, the drug was administered as an intravenous infusion given over 60 h. Enrolled participants were followed up on days 7 and 30 to evaluate the sustained effect. A statistically significant reduction in mean HAM-D score compared to placebo was observed in all three studies, supporting brexanolone’s use in treating moderate-to-severe PPD. Therefore, this article attempts to briefly review the pharmacology of brexanolone, evaluate the latest available clinical data and outcomes concerning its use, reevaluate its position as a ‘breakthrough’ in managing PPD, and review the cost-related barriers to its worldwide standardized use.

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 386-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Manor ◽  
A. Magen ◽  
D. Keidar ◽  
S. Rosen ◽  
H. Tasker ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the safety of phosphatidylserine (PS) enriched with omega3 fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic (PS-Omega3) in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods:Two hundred children diagnosed with ADHD were randomised to receive either PS-Omega3 (300 mg PS-Omega3/day) or placebo for 15 weeks. One hundred and fifty children continued into an open-label extension for an additional 15 weeks in which they all consumed PS-Omega3 (150 mg PS-Omega3/day). Standard blood biochemical and haematological safety parameters, blood pressure, heart rate, weight and height were evaluated. Adverse events and the Side Effect Rating Scale were also assessed.Results:One hundred and sixty-two participants completed the double-blind phase. No significant differences were noted between the two study groups in any of the safety parameters evaluated. One hundred and forty participants completed the open-label phase. At the end of this phase, no significant changes from baseline were observed in any of the studied parameters among participants who consumed PS-Omega3 for 30 weeks.Conclusions:Study results demonstrate that consumption of PS-Omega3 by children with ADHD, as indicated in a 30-week evaluation period, is safe and well tolerated, without any negative effect on body weight or growth.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Palhano-Fontes ◽  
Dayanna Barreto ◽  
Heloisa Onias ◽  
Katia C. Andrade ◽  
Morgana M. Novaes ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundRecent open-label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression.MethodsTo test the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca, we conducted a parallel-arm, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression. Patients received a single dose of either ayahuasca or placebo. We assessed changes in depression severity with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating scale at baseline, and at 1 (D1), 2 (D2), and 7 (D7) days after dosing.ResultsWe observed significant antidepressant effects of ayahuasca when compared with placebo at all-time points. MADRS scores were significantly lower in the ayahuasca group compared with placebo at D1 and D2 (p= 0.04), and at D7 (p< 0.0001). Between-group effect sizes increased from D1 to D7 (D1: Cohen'sd= 0.84; D2: Cohen'sd= 0.84; D7: Cohen'sd= 1.49). Response rates were high for both groups at D1 and D2, and significantly higher in the ayahuasca group at D7 (64%v.27%;p= 0.04). Remission rate showed a trend toward significance at D7 (36%v.7%,p= 0.054).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first controlled trial to test a psychedelic substance in treatment-resistant depression. Overall, this study brings new evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic value of ayahuasca, dosed within an appropriate setting, to help treat depression. This study is registered athttp://clinicaltrials.gov(NCT02914769).


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Richard H. Weisler

This discussion reviews data from two 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal trials of carbamazepine extended release capsules (CBZ ERC; SPD417.301 and SPD417.304); pooled results from these trials; data from a 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in lithium non-responders or non-tolerators (SPD417.302); and additional supportive data from a 6-month, open-label, extension trial (SPD417.303). In addition, information on a retrospective chart review of 600 adolescent and adult bipolar patients on CBZ ERC is presented.In the first large double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing CBZ ERC in acute mania, manic and mixed bipolar patients from multiple centers were hospitalized and all medications were discontinued. After reaching a stable baseline 2–5 days later, the patients were randomized to CBZ ERC (n=101; 59% with mixed states) or placebo (n=103; 47% with mixed states) for 3 weeks. An aggressive initial titration schedule was implemented, beginning with 200 mg BID and increased by 200 mg/day until good clinical response was achieved or the patient could not tolerate the dosage. Many patients were taking 1,200–1,600 mg/day by the end of week 1. Efficacy was assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were also followed.


2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean K Naritoku ◽  
Joseph F Hulihan ◽  
Lesley Kraut Schwarzman ◽  
Marc Kamin ◽  
William H Olson

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects are the most common cause for failure of an antiepileptic drug (AED), especially when an AED is added to existing therapy. With the increased drug load, it may not be possible to titrate the newly added AED to effective doses. Reducing the dosage of AED cotherapy as the new drug is introduced may improve tolerability. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reduction of AED cotherapy as a strategy to improve tolerability and patient retention when a new AED is added to existing therapy. METHODS: In a 20-week, randomized, open-label study, topiramate was initiated as add-on therapy in adults and adolescents (⩾12 y of age) with inadequately controlled partial-onset seizures. Patients were randomized to receive treatment in which adverse events could be managed by adjustments in AED cotherapy (flex-dose group) or treatment in which AED cotherapy dosages remained fixed (fixed-dose group). Topiramate could be adjusted as needed in both groups. In the flex-dose group, patients exited randomized treatment when topiramate was discontinued. In the fixed-dose group, patients exited when AED cotherapy was reduced due to adverse events or when topiramate was discontinued. The primary study outcome was the percentage of patients exiting randomized treatment due to adverse events. RESULTS: The flex-dose group comprised 297 patients; 302 patients were in the fixed-dose group. Significantly fewer patients in the flex-dose group exited the study due to adverse events (16% vs 23% in the fixed-dose group; p = 0.02). In the flex-dose group, 10% (17 of 168) of patients discontinued topiramate due to adverse events after AED cotherapy was reduced versus 22% (29 of 129) when AED cotherapy was not reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of AED cotherapy is a useful strategy to improve tolerability and retention when topiramate is initiated as adjunctive therapy.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (S1) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Richard H. Weisler

This discussion reviews data from two 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal trials of carbamazepine extended release capsules (CBZ ERC; SPD417.301 and SPD417.304); pooled results from these trials; data from a 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in lithium non-responders or non-tolerators (SPD417.302); and additional supportive data from a 6-month, open-label, extension trial (SPD417.303). In addition, information on a retrospective chart review of 600 adolescent and adult bipolar patients on CBZ ERC is presented.In the first large double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing CBZ ERC in acute mania, manic and mixed bipolar patients from multiple centers were hospitalized and all medications were discontinued. After reaching a stable baseline 2–5 days later, the patients were randomized to CBZ ERC (n=101; 59% with mixed states) or placebo (n=103; 47% with mixed states) for 3 weeks. An aggressive initial titration schedule was implemented, beginning with 200 mg BID and increased by 200 mg/day until good clinical response was achieved or the patient could not tolerate the dosage. Many patients were taking 1,200–1,600 mg/day by the end of week 1. Efficacy was assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were also followed.


Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000011207
Author(s):  
Renato Mantegazza ◽  
Gil I. Wolfe ◽  
Srikanth Muppidi ◽  
Heinz Wiendl ◽  
Kenji P. Fujita ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether eculizumab helps patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) to achieve the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post-intervention status of minimal manifestations (MM), we assessed patients' status throughout REGAIN and its open-label extension.MethodsPatients who completed the REGAIN randomized controlled trial and continued into the open-label extension were included in this tertiary endpoint analysis. Patients were assessed for the MGFA post-intervention status of improved, unchanged, worse, MM and pharmacologic remission at defined time points during REGAIN and through week 130 of the open-label study.ResultsA total of 117 patients completed REGAIN and continued into the open-label study (eculizumab/eculizumab: 56; placebo/eculizumab: 61). At week 26 of REGAIN, more eculizumab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients achieved a status of improved (60.7% vs 41.7%) or MM (25.0% vs 13.3%; common OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.5). After 130 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 87.1% of patients achieved improved status and 57.1% of patients achieved MM status. The safety profile of eculizumab was consistent with its known profile and no new safety signals were detected.ConclusionsEculizumab led to rapid and sustained achievement of MM in patients with AChR+ refractory gMG. These findings support the use of eculizumab in this previously difficult-to-treat patient population.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that, after 26 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 25.0% of adults with AChR+ refractory gMG achieved MM, compared with 13.3% who received placebo.Trial registrationREGAIN, NCT01997229; REGAIN open-label extension, NCT02301624 (ClinicalTrials.gov).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuting Chang ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Yuwu Jiang ◽  
Bufan Yao ◽  
Jingmin Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of pantethine in children with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).Methods A single-arm, open-label study was conducted. All subjects received pantethine during the 24-week period of treatment. The primary endpoints were change of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I–III and Fahn–Marsden (FM) score from baseline to week 24 after treatment.Results Fifteen children with PKAN were enrolled, and all patients completed the study. After 24 weeks of treatment with pantethine at 60 mg/kg per day, there was no difference in either UPDRS I–III (t = 0.516, P = 0.614) or FM score (t = 0.353, P = 0.729) between the baseline and W24. Whereas the rates of increase in UPDRS I-III (Z = 2.614, p = 0.009) and FM scores (Z = 2.643, p = 0.008) were slowed. Four patients (26.7%) were evaluated as “slightly improved” by doctors through blinded video assessment. Patients with lower baseline UPDRS I–III or FM scores were more likely to be improved. The living quality of family members improved after pantethine treatment, evaluated by PedsQL TM 2.0 FIM scores, whereas the living quality of the patients was unchanged at W24, evaluated by PedsQL TM 4.0 and PedsQL TM 3.0 NMM. Serum level of CoA was comparable between baseline and W24. There was no drug related adverse event during the study.Conclusions Pantethine could not significantly improve motor function in children with PKAN after 24 weeks treatment, but it could probably delay the progression of motor dysfunction in our study. 26.7% of patients showed slightly improved. Pantethine was well-tolerated at 60 mg/kg per day.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 374-374
Author(s):  
Sarah Sylla ◽  
Devon Bernsley ◽  
Sara Perez Ojalvo ◽  
James Komorowski

Abstract Objectives An open-label experience trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of LustrivaTM BH-002 on the health and appearance of women's hair, skin, and nails. LustrivaTM BH-002 is a two-step system that includes dietary supplement capsules (step 1) and a hair serum (step 2) that both contain novel, highly bioavailable sources of biotin (magnesium biotinate; MgBio) and silicon (inositol-stabilized arginine silicate; ASI). In preclinical studies, the Lustriva supplement improved the hair growth cycle, levels of collagen in the skin, and skin elasticity and texture. In a three month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 90 women, Lustriva capsules increased hair thickness and reduced wrinkles compared to placebo. The following open-label study was conducted to evaluate the potential benefits of the LustrivaTM BH-002 two-step system. Methods Twelve (12) women were given a free supply of LustrivaTM BH-002 (capsules and hair serum) to use for 3 months. Each month, subjects received online survey questionnaires with questions focusing on hair, skin, and nail health. After completion of each survey questionnaire, subjects were compensated with a $25 gift card. Results The following results reflect participants' responses after using LustrivaTM BH-002 for three months. Hair surveys showed that 92% of women reported an improvement in overall hair volume, 82% of women reported an improvement in hair thickness, and 75% of women reported an improvement in hair shine. Nail surveys showed that 83% of women reported an improvement in nail strength and 83% of women reported an improvement in nail growth rate. Skin surveys showed that 75% of women reported an improvement in skin smoothness, 75% of women reported an improvement in overall skin health, 83% of women reported an improvement in how satisfied they were with how healthy their facial skin looked, and 83% of women were less bothered by how noticeable the lines on their face looked. Conclusions These data demonstrate that LustrivaTM BH-002, a two-step system that includes a dietary supplement and hair serum containing novel, highly absorbed biotin and silicon ingredients, improves various aspects of hair, skin, and nail health and appearance in women. Funding Sources This study was funded by JDS Therapeutics, LLC, the parent company of Bonafide®.


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