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Abilify (aripiprazole)
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that helps stabilize dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain.
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that helps stabilize dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain. Used for Schizophrenia, Bipolar I disorder (acute manic and mixed episodes, maintenance), Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment).
At a glance
| Generic name | Abilify (aripiprazole) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Genovate Biotechnology Co., Ltd., |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor (partial agonist), Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor (partial agonist) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, meaning it can both activate and inhibit these receptors depending on baseline neurotransmitter levels. This unique mechanism allows it to reduce dopamine signaling when it is excessive (as in psychosis) while maintaining it when deficient, providing a stabilizing effect. It also has antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors, contributing to its antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing effects.
Approved indications
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar I disorder (acute manic and mixed episodes, and maintenance treatment)
- Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment)
- Autism spectrum disorder (irritability)
- Tourette's disorder
Common side effects
- Akathisia
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Weight gain
- Somnolence
- Constipation
Key clinical trials
- Substance Misuse To Psychosis for Stimulants (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Cerebellum-based Imaging Neural Markers for Antipsychotic Response
- An Exploratory Analysis of Immune and Inflammatory Response Associated With Clozapine (PHASE4)
- Pragmatic Trial Comparing Weight Gain in Children With Autism Taking Risperidone Versus Aripiprazole (PHASE4)
- Τhe Combination of Pharmacotherapy With RECOVERYTRSGR and RECOVERYTRSBDGR. (PHASE4)
- C-Cog in Early Course Schizophrenia Study (PHASE4)
- Safety and Tolerability of Open-Label Flexible-dose Brexpiprazole as Maintenance Treatment in Adolescents With Schizophrenia (PHASE3)
- Enhancing Recovery in Early Schizophrenia (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |