A new step in Alzheimer's treatment in Canada
Canadian authorities have approved a drug to manage arousal states in patients.
Canada has approved the use of Rexulti (brexiprazole), a drug developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Canada Inc. and Lundbeck Canada Inc. for the treatment of agitation states in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Rexulti has previously been used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and as an adjunct to antidepressants for depressive disorder.
Drug testing
The drug has undergone three 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. The data confirmed the effectiveness of Rexulti in managing symptoms of agitation, such as walking, gesticulation, profanity, shouting, shoving and hitting, which are common in patients with Alzheimer's dementia.
The Health Canada approval is a significant development for all caregivers, patients themselves and their families, according to Otsuka Canada President and CEO Michael Laranjo. He called the decision "major milestone" on the road to improving the quality of life for patients.
The drug is taken orally once a day and is not dependent on food. Rexulti was previously approved for use in the USA — in May 2023. According to information from regulatory authorities in the States, the most common side effects include headache, dizziness, urinary tract infections, nasopharyngitis and sleep problems.
Canada data
The Alzheimer's Society of Canada reports that more than 600,000 Canadians are living with dementia, and that number is projected to increase to nearly one million by 2030. There has been an increase in cases of dementia with early onset in the country.
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