CAPLYTA® (lumateperone) Schizophrenia Safety and Tolerability Profile Published in the Journal, International Clinical Psychopharmacology

Rhea-AI Summary

Intra-Cellular Therapies (Nasdaq: ITCI) announced the publication of a pooled analysis evaluating the safety and tolerability of lumateperone (42 mg), a treatment for schizophrenia. The analysis included 1,073 patients across three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Findings indicate that lumateperone's safety profile is comparable to placebo, with treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) similar in incidence. Notable outcomes include low discontinuation rates due to TEAEs (0.5%) and minimal changes in weight and metabolic parameters. The publication highlights lumateperone as a favorable treatment for schizophrenia.

Positive

• Lumateperone exhibits a favorable safety profile, similar to placebo in clinical trials.
• Low rate of discontinuation due to TEAEs (0.5%) compared to risperidone (4.7%).
• Minimal changes in weight and metabolic parameters compared to placebo.

Negative

• None.

Pooled analysis of 3 randomized, double-blind, pacebo-cotrolled trials supports the safety and the distinct and favorable tolerability profile of lumateperone 42 mg

Mean change from baseline in metabolic parameters and prolactin were similar to or reduced in lumateperone 42 mg relative to placebo treated patients

Mean change in weight and rates of EPS-related TEAEs were similar for lumateperone 42 mg and placebo treated patients

NEW YORK, June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ITCI), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced the article, "Safety and tolerability of lumateperone: a pooled analysis of late-phase placebo-and active-controlled clinical trials” (Kane et al. 2021), was recently published online in International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

This pooled analysis of 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the safety and tolerability of lumateperone 42 mg. The pooled population comprised of 1,073 patients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia randomized to placebo (n=412), lumateperone 42 mg (n=406), or risperidone 4 mg (n=255). Risperidone was included for assay sensitivity and not included for a comparison between CAPLYTA and risperidone.

In this pooled analysis, lumateperone 42 mg had a safety profile similar to placebo. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were predominantly mild and mean changes in weight and metabolic parameters as well as motor adverse events were similar to placebo. Rates of discontinuation due to treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) with lumateperone 42 mg (0.5%) were similar to placebo (0.5%) and lower than risperidone (4.7%). The only TEAEs that occurred at a rate of ≥ 5% and twice placebo for lumateperone were somnolence/sedation and dry mouth.

Mean change from baseline in metabolic parameters and prolactin were similar to or reduced in lumateperone 42 mg relative to placebo treated patients and were smaller than risperidone. Mean change in weight and rates of EPS-related TEAEs were similar for lumateperone 42 mg and placebo treated patients and less than for risperidone treated patients. This pooled analysis highlights the distinct safety and favorable tolerability profile of lumateperone 42 mg.

"CAPLYTA is an important addition in the treatment armamentarium for adult patients with schizophrenia. The achievement of efficacy while maintaining a favorable safety and tolerability profile in weight change, metabolic side effects and motor disturbances represents a significant advance as these adverse events are commonly associated with poor treatment adherence," said Dr. John Kane, Chair of Psychiatry and Professor of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell, New York.

CAPLYTA^® (lumateperone) is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. CAPLYTA is available in 42 mg capsules.

Important Safety Information

Boxed Warning: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. CAPLYTA is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Contraindications: CAPLYTA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lumateperone or any components of CAPLYTA. Reactions have included pruritus, rash (e.g. allergic dermatitis, papular rash, and generalized rash), and urticaria.
Warnings & Precautions: Antipsychotic drugs have been reported to cause:

• Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis, including stroke and transient ischemic attack. See Boxed Warning above.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), which is a potentially fatal reaction. Signs and symptoms include: high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, elevated creatinine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (and/or rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. Patients who experience signs and symptoms of NMS should immediately contact their doctor or go to the emergency room.
• Tardive Dyskinesia, a syndrome of uncontrolled body movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts, which may increase with duration of treatment and total cumulative dose. TD may not go away, even if CAPLYTA is discontinued. It can also occur after CAPLYTA is discontinued.
• Metabolic Changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with antipsychotics. Measure weight and assess fasting plasma glucose and lipids when initiating CAPLYTA and monitor periodically during long-term treatment.
• Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis (including fatal cases). Complete blood counts should be performed in patients with pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC) or history of leukopenia or neutropenia. CAPLYTA should be discontinued if clinically significant decline in WBC occurs in absence of other causative factors.
• Decreased Blood Pressure & Dizziness. Patients may feel lightheaded, dizzy or faint when they rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension). Heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored and patients should be warned with known cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. Orthostatic vital signs should be monitored in patients who are vulnerable to hypotension.
• Falls. CAPLYTA may cause sleepiness or dizziness and can slow thinking and motor skills, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures and other injuries. Patients should be assessed for risk when using CAPLYTA.
• Seizures. CAPLYTA should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower seizure threshold.
• Sleepiness and Trouble Concentrating. Patients should use caution when operating machinery or motor vehicles until they know how CAPLYTA affects them.
• Body Temperature Dysregulation. CAPLYTA should be used with caution in patients who may experience conditions that may increase core body temperature such as strenuous exercise, extreme heat, dehydration, or concomitant anticholinergics.
• Dysphagia. CAPLYTA should be used with caution in patients at risk for aspiration.
  

Drug Interactions: CAPLYTA should not be used with CYP3A4 inducers, moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and UGT inhibitors.

Special Populations: Newborn infants exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. Breastfeeding is not recommended. Use of CAPLYTA should be avoided in patients with moderate or severe liver problems.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials with CAPLYTA vs. placebo were somnolence/sedation (24% vs. 10%) and dry mouth (6% vs. 2%).

Please click here to see full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning.

About CAPLYTA (lumateperone)

CAPLYTA 42mg/day is an oral, once daily atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia of adults. While the mechanism of action of CAPLYTA in the treatment of schizophrenia is unknown, the efficacy of CAPLYTA could be mediated through a combination of antagonist activity at central serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and postsynaptic antagonist activity at central dopamine D2 receptors.

About Intra-Cellular Therapies

Intra-Cellular Therapies is a biopharmaceutical company founded on Nobel prize-winning research that allows us to understand how therapies affect the inner-workings of cells in the body. The company leverages this intracellular approach to develop innovative treatments for people living with complex psychiatric and neurologic diseases. For more information, please visit www.intracellulartherapies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, whether clinical trial results will be predictive of future real-world results; our beliefs about the potential utility of our product candidates; and development efforts and plans under the caption “About Intra-Cellular Therapies.” All such forward-looking statements are based on management's present expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: there are no guarantees that CAPLYTA will be commercially successful; we may encounter issues, delays or other challenges in commercializing CAPLYTA; the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact our commercial plans and sales for CAPLYTA; the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the conduct of, and the timing of enrollment, completion and reporting with respect to, our clinical trials; whether CAPLYTA receives adequate reimbursement from third-party payors; the degree to which CAPLYTA receives acceptance from patients and physicians for its approved indication; challenges associated with execution of our sales activities, which in each case could limit the potential of our product; results achieved in CAPLYTA in the treatment of schizophrenia following commercial launch of the product may be different than observed in clinical trials, and may vary among patients; any other impacts on our business as a result of or related to the COVID-19 pandemic; risks associated with our current and planned clinical trials; we may encounter unexpected safety or tolerability issues with CAPLYTA following commercial launch for the treatment of schizophrenia or in ongoing or future trials and other development activities; our other product candidates may not be successful or may take longer and be more costly than anticipated; product candidates that appeared promising in earlier research and clinical trials may not demonstrate safety and/or efficacy in larger-scale or later clinical trials or in clinical trials for other indications; our proposals with respect to the regulatory path for our product candidates may not be acceptable to the FDA; our reliance on collaborative partners and other third parties for development of our product candidates; and the other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not intend to update this information unless required by law.

Contact:

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.
Juan Sanchez, M.D.
Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
646-440-9333

Burns McClellan, Inc.
Lisa Burns
cradinovici@burnsmc.com
212-213-0006

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Ana Fullmer
Corporate Media Relations W2Owcg
afullmer@wcgworld.com
202-507-0130

FAQ

What are the results of the pooled analysis on lumateperone conducted by Intra-Cellular Therapies?

The pooled analysis demonstrated lumateperone's safety profile is similar to placebo, with low rates of treatment-emergent adverse events.

What were the key findings regarding weight change in the lumateperone study?

Mean changes in weight for lumateperone were similar to those for placebo, indicating no significant adverse effects on weight.

How many patients were involved in the lumateperone clinical trials?

The analysis included 1,073 patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia.

What is the significance of lumateperone's TEAE rates compared to risperidone?

Lumateperone had a discontinuation rate of 0.5% due to TEAEs, significantly lower than the 4.7% seen with risperidone.

What is the indication for CAPLYTA (lumateperone) as per the press release?

CAPLYTA is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.