The efficacy of cariprazine on cognition: a post hoc analysis from phase II/III clinical trials in bipolar mania, bipolar depression, and schizophrenia

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-1-2023

Journal

CNS spectrums

Volume

28

Issue

3

DOI

10.1017/S109285292200013X

Keywords

Cognition; bipolar depression; bipolar disorder; cariprazine; cognitive symptoms; post hoc analysis; schizophrenia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of cariprazine on cognitive symptom change across bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia. METHODS: Post hoc analyses of 3- to 8-week pivotal studies in bipolar I depression and mania were conducted; one schizophrenia trial including the Cognitive Drug Research System attention battery was also analyzed. Outcomes of interest: Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS], Functioning Assessment Short Test [FAST], Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS]). LSMDs in change from baseline to end of study were reported in the overall intent-to-treat population and in patient subsets with specified levels of baseline cognitive symptoms or performance. RESULTS: In patients with bipolar depression and at least mild cognitive symptoms, LSMDs were statistically significant for cariprazine vs placebo on MADRS item 6 (3 studies; 1.5 mg=-0.5 [<.001]; 3 mg/d=-0.2 [<.05]) and on the FAST Cognitive subscale (1 study; 1.5 mg/d=-1.4; =.0039). In patients with bipolar mania and at least mild cognitive symptoms, the LSMD in PANSS Cognitive subscale score was statistically significant for cariprazine vs placebo (3 studies; -2.1; =.001). In patients with schizophrenia and high cognitive impairment, improvement in power of attention was observed for cariprazine 3 mg/d vs placebo (=.0080), but not for cariprazine 6 mg/d; improvement in continuity of attention was observed for cariprazine 3 mg/d (=.0012) and 6 mg/d (=.0073). CONCLUSION: These post hoc analyses provide preliminary evidence of greater improvements for cariprazine vs placebo across cognitive measures in patients with bipolar I depression and mania, and schizophrenia, suggesting potential benefits for cariprazine in treating cognitive symptoms.

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

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