Last reviewed · How we verify
Aripiprazole (BMS-337039)
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain.
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain. Used for Schizophrenia, Bipolar I disorder (acute manic and mixed episodes), Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment).
At a glance
| Generic name | Aripiprazole (BMS-337039) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor (partial agonist); Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor (partial agonist) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist rather than a full antagonist, meaning it can both activate and inhibit dopamine D2 receptors depending on baseline dopamine levels, providing a stabilizing effect on dopaminergic signaling. This unique mechanism, combined with 5-HT1A partial agonism, reduces both positive and negative symptoms of psychosis while potentially causing fewer extrapyramidal side effects than typical antipsychotics. The partial agonist activity allows for dopaminergic tone adjustment rather than complete blockade.
Approved indications
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar I disorder (acute manic and mixed episodes)
- Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment)
- Irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder
Common side effects
- Akathisia
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Weight gain
- Somnolence
Key clinical trials
- A Study of Aripiprazole (Abilify) in Patients With Bipolar Mania (PHASE4)
- Aripiprazole for Schizophrenia Outpatients Completing BMS Clinical Trials (PHASE3)
- Phase IV Long-term Maintenance Study of Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Irritability Associated With Autistic Disorder (PHASE4)
- A Phase 4 Study to Assess the Effects of Aripiprazole Versus Other Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Schizophrenic Patients With Metabolic Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Patients With Psychosis Associated With Dementia of Alzheimer's Type (PHASE3)
- Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aripiprazole Administered With Lithium or Valproate Over 12 Weeks in the Treatment of Mania in Bipolar I Disorder (PHASE3)
- A Phase IV Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Aripiprazole in Combination With Lamotrigine in the Long-Term Maintenance Treatment of Patients With Bipolar I Disorder With A Recent Manic or Mixed Episode (PHASE4)
- Study of Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Serious Behavioral Problems in Children and Adolescents With Autistic Disorder (AD) (PHASE3)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: