n were dose-dependent and more pronounced in female subjects than male subjects.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
Several methods were used to measure EPS, including: (1) the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) global clinical rating score which eva luates akathisia, (2) the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) scores which eva luates dyskinesia, (3) the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS) global score which broadly eva luates parkinsonism, and (4) the incidence of spontaneous reports of EPS-related adverse reactions.
In the 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the mean changes from baseline in BARS, AIMS, and SAS total scores were comparable between PERSERIS- and placebo-treated patients. At all postbaseline assessments, mean changes from baseline were between -0.1 and 0.2 (inclusive) for the BARS, between 0 and 0.2 (inclusive) for the AIMS and between -0.1 and 0.2 (inclusive) for the SAS.
The rates of ADRs associated with EPS were similar across treatment groups, including placebo. There was a higher incidence of akathisia in the PERSERIS 120 mg (6.8%) group compared with the PERSERIS 90 mg (2.6%) and placebo group (4.2%); reports of extrapyramidal disorders were higher in the PERSERIS 90 mg group (4.3%) compared with the PERSERIS 120 mg (1.7%) and placebo group (0.8%). In contrast, there was a higher incidence of dystonia in the placebo group (2.5%) compared with the PERSERIS groups (0 and 0.9%, respectively).
Dystonia
Symptoms of dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, may occur in susceptible individuals during the first few days of treatment. Dystonic symptoms include: spasm of the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or protrusion of the tongue. Although these symptoms can occur at low doses, they occur more frequently and with greater severity with high potency and at higher doses of first generation antipsychotic drugs. An elevated risk of acute dystonia has been observed in males and younger age groups.
Changes in ECG
In the 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study, there were no clinically relevant differences in mean changes from baseline to EOS in ECG parameters, including QTcF (Fridericia's corrected QT interval), QRS and PR intervals, and heart rate, in subjects in either PERSERIS treatment group (90 mg and 120 mg) compared with placebo. Similarly, in the 12-month, long-term safety study, there were no clinically relevant changes in mean ECG interval values from baseline to postdose assessments.
Pain Assessment and Local Injection Site Reactions
Local injection site pain was assessed using subject-reported VAS scales (0 = no pain to 100 = unbearably painful). In the 8-week, double-blind placebo-controlled study, the mean subject-reported injection site pain VAS scores were similar for all treatment groups following both injections. Pain scores decreased from a mean of 27 (VAS score) 1 minute after the first dose to a range of 3 to 7 (VAS score) 30 to 60 minutes postdose. In the 12-month, long-term safety study, the 1-minute postdose injection site pain VAS scores were highest on Day 1 (mean of 25) and decreased over time with subsequent injections (14 to 16 following last injection).
The local injection site was assessed by appropriately trained personnel. Throughout the clinical development program, the maximum reported intensity at any time point for each injection site assessment (pain, tenderness, inflamm |
