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Donepezil (Aricept)
Donepezil (Aricept) is a Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by University of Virginia. It is currently FDA-approved for Alzheimer's disease, Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia. Also known as: Aricept.
Donepezil, marketed as Aricept, is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used primarily for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which can improve cognitive function. Despite its efficacy, Donepezil has several side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and insomnia. The drug is not approved by the FDA but is widely prescribed off-label for various cognitive disorders. Developed by the University of Virginia, Donepezil remains a significant player in the Alzheimer's market, with ongoing research exploring its potential in other neurological conditions.
At a glance
| Generic name | Donepezil (Aricept) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Aricept |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia |
| Drug class | Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor |
| Target | Beta-secretase 1, Multidrug resistance protein 1, Acetylcholine receptor subunit epsilon |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neuroscience |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Approved indications
- Alzheimer's disease
- Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia
Pipeline indications
Common side effects
Drug interactions
- Cholinergic Agonists
- Anticholinergic Drugs
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors
- CYP3A4 Inducers
Key clinical trials
- Investigating the Cholinergic Contribution to Gait Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease (PHASE2)
- Donepezil Versus Non-drug Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease. (PHASE3)
- Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block for Alzheimer's Disease (NA)
- Clinical Evaluation on the Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of MK-1167 in Participants With Alzheimer's Disease Dementia Taking Stable Donepezil Treatment (MK-1167-007) (PHASE1)
- Intravenous Infusion of Umbilical Cord Blood as an Adjunctive Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Masitinib in Patients With Mild Alzheimer's Disease (PHASE3)
- Effect of Donepezil on Speech Recognition in Cochlear Implant Users (EARLY_PHASE1)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| US5420159A |
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 |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Donepezil (Aricept) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Donepezil (Aricept) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Virginia portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Donepezil (Aricept)
What is Donepezil (Aricept)?
What is Donepezil (Aricept) used for?
Who makes Donepezil (Aricept)?
Is Donepezil (Aricept) also known as anything else?
What drug class is Donepezil (Aricept) in?
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What does Donepezil (Aricept) target?
Related
- Drug class: All Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Beta-secretase 1, Multidrug resistance protein 1, Acetylcholine receptor subunit epsilon
- Manufacturer: University of Virginia — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Neuroscience
- Indication: Drugs for Alzheimer's disease
- Indication: Drugs for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia
- Also known as: Aricept
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing