An Open-Label Extension Study Assessing the Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Viloxazine Extended-Release Capsules in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Viloxazine ER (extended-release capsules; Qelbree

METHODS

This was a multicenter, flexible-dose, open-label extension to a phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT04016779). Viloxazine ER was initiated at 200 mg/day and adjusted (between 200 and 600 mg/day) to achieve optimal efficacy and tolerability. Trial enrollment was halted temporarily (24 March 2020 to 23 July 2020) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Participants completing double-blind treatment during that time were offered delayed enrollment upon trial requalification. Safety outcomes were the primary objectives. Secondary objectives were efficacy outcomes, including the ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS), and were assessed relative to double-blind baseline (or trial re-entry baseline for those whose enrollment was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic).

RESULTS

Overall, 159 participants (133 immediate and 26 delayed rollover) received viloxazine ER, with a mean exposure of 265 ± 254.9 days. Adverse events (AEs) included (> 10% incidence) insomnia (13.8%), nausea (13.8%), headache (10.7%), and fatigue (10.1%). AEs led to discontinuation for 17.6% of participants [most commonly insomnia (2.5%), nausea (2.5%), and fatigue (1.9%)]. AISRS total score [baseline mean ± standard deviation (SD): 37.9 ± 6.3] improved by the first follow-up visit (-11.4 ± 9.5; week 2) with continued improvement at subsequent visits (last on-study visit: -18.2 ± 11.54). Similar patterns of improvement were seen for other measures of efficacy, including quality of life and executive function. Following initial dose optimization, most participants (73%) used viloxazine ER doses ≥ 400 mg/day, with 36% using doses of 600 mg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term viloxazine ER use was well tolerated, with no new long-term safety findings. Improvements in ADHD symptoms and associated measures were sustained throughout trial participation. In total, 73% percent of adult participants in this long-term study used viloxazine ER doses of 400 mg or more during maintenance treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04143217.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in children and adults and characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can substantially interfere with everyday life. On the basis of positive efficacy and safety results from clinical studies in children, adolescents, and adults, viloxazine ER (viloxazine extended-release capsules) received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a new treatment for ADHD and is marketed under the brand name Qelbree® (Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc). Adults who participated in the short-term (6 weeks) double-blind study that eventually led to the FDA approval of viloxazine ER were invited to enroll in this open-label extension trial to monitor the medication’s long-term safety and continued efficacy. This study also provided a pathway for study participants to continue receiving viloxazine ER until its FDA approval and commercial availability. Participants in the study received viloxazine ER at dosages between 200 and 600 mg/day on the basis of symptom response and side effects (most used at least 400 mg/day). Viloxazine ER was demonstrated to have a good safety and tolerability profile. The most common side effects were insomnia (13.8%), nausea (13.8%), headache (10.7%), and fatigue (10.1%). Long-term treatment led to continued improvement in ADHD symptoms, quality of life, and executive function (executive function includes cognitive skills such as organizing and following through with tasks). The study results further support the continued use of viloxazine ER as a long-term treatment option for adults with ADHD.

Informations de copyright

© 2024. The Author(s).