June 2020
Abilify MyCite (aripiprazole with sensor) for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Abilify MyCite is a drug-device combination comprising aripiprazole embedded with an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM) sensor. The aripiprazole attaches in the brain to receptors which help normalise the activity of the brain. The drug is packaged within an innovative system which helps patients (and healthcare workers) monitor when the medication is taken through integration with a sensor patch and app. Abilify MyCite is different to other ways of monitoring whether medication has been taken because it gives results of the actual medication taken, without need for blood or urine samples, as opposed to an estimate and if licensed, will offer an additional treatment option for patients with BP1 and SCH.
February 2019
Esketamine (nasal spray) for major depressive disorder with imminent risk of suicide
Esketamine nasal spray is being developed as a treatment that could be given to people with depression with an imminent risk of suicide. Major depressive disorder (often called depression or major depression in UK) is a serious mood disorder that can impact all aspects of daily life. Symptoms can include low mood, weight changes, lack of energy, disturbed sleep, and suicidal intentions and thoughts. The time between suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide is often very short, and so there is a need for urgent intervention and treatment.
January 2019
Brexanolone for postpartum depression
Brexanolone is an active product of the female reproductive hormone progesterone that regulates a specific neurotransmitter involved in a range of behaviours, including the stress
response. Some small studies have shown that brexanolone rapidly and significantly improves the symptoms of PPD and other hormonal mood disorders when compared to
other treatments. If licensed brexanolone would be the first PPD treatment that specifically targets the underlying disease process in PPD.
January 2018
Naloxone Auto-injector (Evzio) for Opioid Substance Use Disorder
Evzio is being developed as an injectable device that contains naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of opioid drug overdose. It is designed to be easily administered by non-health professionals in a non-clinical setting. If licensed it has the potential to improve emergency responses to opioid overdoses as it can be used in the home environment, enabling caregivers to respond quickly and confidently due to the voice and visual guidance provided with the device.
