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MEDTECH As the only approved antidepressant that selectively targets the serotonin 1a receptor, Exxua represents a new class of antidepressant.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to a new antidepressant, Exxua, which is showing promise in not increasing the risk of sexual dysfunction, a common side effect associated with many current antidepressants. This development could potentially revolutionize the treatment approach for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
HCN Medical Memo
As healthcare professionals, it’s crucial to stay updated on new treatments like Exxua. This drug could potentially change our approach to treating MDD, especially for patients who have had issues with sexual dysfunction from other antidepressants. It’s important to consider this when prescribing medication for MDD in the future.
Key Points
- Exxua (gepirone hydrochloride extended-release [ER] tablets) is the newly approved drug for the treatment of MDD in adults.
- It is the only approved antidepressant that selectively targets the serotonin 1a receptor, a key regulator of mood and emotion.
- The drug’s labeling does not contain warnings or adverse reactions regarding sexual dysfunction or weight gain.
- In clinical trials, sexual side effects experienced with Exxua were comparable to placebo.
- Exxua also showed no significant adverse effects on weight, blood pressure, heart rate, or liver function.
“I am thrilled for our patients that Exxua (gepirone ER) is now FDA approved for the treatment of MDD. Exxua is the first 5-HT1a agonist with superior efficacy vs placebo as MDD monotherapy, yet did not differ from placebo in rates of sexual dysfunction in clinical trials. This provides an important new treatment option for patients.”
— Anita H. Clayton, MD, chair of the department of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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