Nuedexta (dextromethorphan hydrobromide / quinidine sulfate) is a combination drug indicated for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA). The drug was developed and manufactured by Avanir Pharmaceuticals.
Avanir Pharmaceuticals received marketing authorisation for Nuedexta from the European Commission (EC) in June 2013, for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA).
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
The company obtained the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the drug for the treatment of PBA in October 2010.
Nuedexta was launched in the US in January 2011 and made available for sale as a prescription drug through retail pharmacies.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) symptoms
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurologic disorder that emanates due to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, or traumatic brain injury. The condition causes sudden and uncontrolled episodes of crying or laughing involuntarily.
PBA is estimated to affect more than one million people in the US.
Nuedexta’s mechanism of action
Nuedexta contains a combination of two drugs, which include dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulphate.
The exact mechanism of action of the drug is not completely known but it is believed to work by regulating excitatory neurotransmissions through the sigma-1 receptor agonist activity and NMDA receptor antagonist activity. The drug also slows the breakdown of dextromethorphan in the brain.
It is a prescription drug available as capsules in 20 / 10mg and 30 / 10mg doses for oral administration.
Neudexta (dextromethorphan hydrobromide, quinidine sulphate) clinical trials
FDA approval for Nuedexta was based on a Phase III clinical trial that enrolled patients with underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients were randomised to receive Nuedexta (20mg / 10mg), dextromethorphan 30mg / quinidine 10mg, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure of the study was laughing and crying episodes. The secondary endpoint included the Center for Neurologic Studies Lability Scale (CNS-LS).
Study results showed that patients treated with Nuedexta arms exhibited statistically significant lower laughing and crying episodes in comparison with placebo. The study also analysed mean scores on day 84 based on the Center for Neurologic Studies Lability Scale (CNS-LS). The mean scores were significantly lower in Nuedexta arms compared to placebo.
Adverse events associated with the drug included diarrhoea, dizziness, cough, vomiting, asthenia, peripheral oedema, urinary tract infection, influenza, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase and flatulence.
The CHMP approval for the drug was based on Phase III pivotal clinical study known as 07-AVR-123. It was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre and parallel group assignment. It enrolled 325 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. The study evaluated the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of Nuedexta. Patients were randomised to receive Nuedexta 15mg / 9mg, Nuedexta 23mg/9mg or Placebo. The study was conducted for a period of 12 weeks.
Results of the study demonstrated that the mean baseline daily PBA episode rates were 4.7, 6.8 and 4.5 in patients who were administered with Nuedexta 23mg / 9mg, Nuedexta 15mg / 9mg and placebo respectively. The mean baseline CNS-LS scores were 19.8, 21.0 and 19.9 in Nuedexta 23mg / 9mg, Nuedexta 15mg / 9mg and placebo respectively.
The frequency of PBA episodes in patients who were administered with both dose regimens decreased significantly in comparison with the placebo group. The least-squares mean CNS-LS scores were also significantly altered, as it was reduced to 8.2 points in Nuedexta 23mg / 9mg group, 7.5 points in Nuedexta 15mg / 9mg group and 5.7 points in the placebo group.
Marketing commentary for Avanir Pharmaceuticals
Avanir Pharmaceuticals is a leading biopharmaceutical company, which focuses on developing innovative medicines in the field of central nervous system disorders. It also develops drugs for high unmet medical need.
Avanir became a division of Otsuka America, which is owned by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, in 2015.
Nuedexta is manufactured and marketed in the US and other countries by Avanir Pharmaceuticals. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted patents for Nuedexta, which are scheduled to expire in July 2023.
Marketing commentary for Avanir Pharmaceuticals
Avanir Pharmaceuticals is a leading biopharmaceutical company. It focuses on developing innovative medicines in the field of central nervous system disorders. It also develops drugs for high unmet medical need.
Nuedexta is manufactured and marketed in the US and other countries by Avanir Pharmaceuticals. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted patents for Nuedexta, which are scheduled to expire in July 2023.
Related content
Aubagio (Teriflunomide) for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, US
Aubagio (teriflunomide) is an immunomodulatory agent indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It was developed by Genzyme, a subsidiary of Sanofi.
Bifeprunox – Atypical Antipsychotic Drug
Bifeprunox mesilate was a novel atypical antipsychotic agent under development by Solvay Pharmaceuticals as a treatment for schizophrenia and potentially conditions such as bipolar disorder.
