Aripiprazole lauroxil 2-month formulation with 1-day initiation in patients hospitalized for an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia: exploratory efficacy and patient-reported outcomes in the randomized controlled ALPINE study

BACKGROUND: A randomized, controlled, phase 3b study (ALPINE) evaluated efficacy and safety of a 2-month formulation of aripiprazole lauroxil (AL) using a 1-day initiation regimen in patients hospitalized for an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. Paliperidone palmitate (PP) was used as an active control. Exploratory endpoint assessments included severity of illness, positive and negative symptoms, quality of life, caregiver burden, and satisfaction with medication. METHODS: Adults were randomly assigned to AL 1064 mg q8wk or PP 156 mg q4wk as inpatients, discharged after 2 weeks, and followed through week 25. Exploratory efficacy measures included the 3 original PANSS subscales, Clinical Global Impression−Severity (CGI-S) subscale, and caregiver Burden Assessment Scale. Exploratory patient-reported outcomes (PROs) included the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) and the Medication Satisfaction Questionnaire. Within-group changes from baseline through week 25 were analyzed for AL and PP separately. PROs were summarized based on observed data. RESULTS: Of 200 patients randomized (AL, n = 99; PP, n = 101), 99 completed the study (AL, n = 56; PP, n = 43). For AL, PANSS subscale and CGI-S scores improved from baseline through week 25 (mean [SE] change from baseline at week 25: Positive, −7.5 [0.70]; Negative, −3.9 [0.46]; General, −11.8 [0.83]; CGI-S, −1.3 [0.12]). Caregiver burden also improved (mean [SD] changes from baseline at week 9: −8.4 [10.15]; week 25: −8.9 [12.36]). Most AL patients were somewhat/very satisfied with treatment at each timepoint (70.8%–74.7%); mean Q-LES-Q-SF total scores were stable in the outpatient period. For PP, results were similar: PANSS Positive, −7.3 (0.67); Negative, −3.6 (0.69); General, −10.9 (1.22); CGI-S, −1.4 (0.16); caregiver burden, week 9: −8.8 (11.89) and week 25: −9.2 (14.55); satisfaction with treatment, 64.7%–69.3%; and stable Q-LES-Q-SF scores. CONCLUSIONS: ALPINE patients initiating the 2-month AL formulation using the 1-day initiation regimen as inpatients and continuing outpatient care experienced schizophrenia symptom improvement, sustained patient satisfaction with medication, stable quality of life, and reduced caregiver burden. A similar benefit pattern was observed for PP. These results support the feasibility of starting either long-acting injectable in the hospital and transitioning to outpatient treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03345979 [trial registration date: 15/11/2017]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-021-03420-x.