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aripiprazole long acting injectable formulation
Aripiprazole is a dopamine D2/D3 receptor partial agonist that modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission to treat psychotic and mood disorders.
Aripiprazole is a dopamine D2/D3 receptor partial agonist that modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission to treat psychotic and mood disorders. Used for Schizophrenia, Bipolar I disorder (acute agitation and maintenance), Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment).
At a glance
| Generic name | aripiprazole long acting injectable formulation |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Vanguard Research Group |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic (dopamine partial agonist) |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor, Dopamine D3 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, providing stabilization of dopaminergic signaling in the brain. Unlike typical antipsychotics that block dopamine, its partial agonist activity allows it to reduce dopamine activity when it is excessive (in psychosis) while maintaining activity when dopamine is deficient. The long-acting injectable formulation provides sustained therapeutic levels over weeks to months, improving medication adherence.
Approved indications
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar I disorder (acute agitation and maintenance)
- Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment)
- Irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder
Common side effects
- Akathisia
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Tremor
- Injection site pain
Key clinical trials
- C-Cog in Early Course Schizophrenia Study (PHASE4)
- Comparison of a Long-acting Injectable Antipsychotic vs Clinician's Choice Early in Treatment to Break the Cycle of Relapse in Early Phase Schizophrenics (PHASE4)
- European Long-acting Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia Trial (PHASE4)
- Parallel Group, Multiple Dose Pharmacokinetics Study of Five Antipsychotic Medications in Psychiatric Participants (PHASE1)
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 |
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