Lurasidone for Long-Term Treatment of Bipolar Depression

Results from a 6-month, open-label extension study are promising.

In double-blind trials lasting 6 weeks, FDA-approved lurasidone, whether combined with lithium or valproate or as monotherapy, has been effective for treating acute bipolar depression. A manufacturer-supported, open-label, uncontrolled study extends the earlier research by 6 months.

The 817 adult outpatient participants (mean age, 43) had bipolar I disorder and major depression but no psychosis (women, 52%; white, 66%). Roughly 40% of patients were from lurasidone monotherapy studies, and 60% were from adjunctive-therapy studies; all placebo recipients were openly switched to lurasidone. The mean lurasidone dose during the 6-month extension was 64 mg/day (range, 20–120 mg/day).

Of the 559 completers of the 6-month extension, 7% of monotherapy…

Reviewing Author

Deborah Cowley, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Katz Family Foundation

Deborah Cowley, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Katz Family Foundation

Lurasidone for Long-Term Treatment of Bipolar Depression

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Reviewing Author