Schizophrenia

The safety and effectiveness of REXULTI for treatment of schizophrenia have been established in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older. Use of REXULTI in this population is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with schizophrenia, pharmacokinetic data from adults and pediatric patients, and safety data in pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The safety and effectiveness of REXULTI for the treatment of schizophrenia have not been established in pediatric patients less than 13 years of age.

Major Depressive Disorder

The safety and effectiveness of REXULTI for treatment of major depressive disorder have not been established in pediatric patients. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Irritability Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The safety and effectiveness of REXULTI for the treatment of irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder have not been established in pediatric patients. Effectiveness was not demonstrated, in an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose clinical study conducted in 119 REXULTI-treated pediatric patients 5 to 17 years of age with irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition [DSM-5] criteria. In this study, somnolence (including sedation) occurred at a higher rate than reported in other REXULTI studies evaluating adults and elderly patients (16% in REXULTI-treated pediatric patients versus 5% for placebo). The mean increase in age-and-gender adjusted body weight z-score from baseline to last visit was 0.3 for REXULTI-treated patients versus 0.1 for placebo-treated patients. Increases in age-and-gender adjusted body weight z-score of at least 0.5 SD from baseline was higher in REXULTI-treated patients versus placebo (19% versus 5%). 

Of the 119 patients from this study, 95 patients entered the open-label treatment study and received up to 26 weeks of daily treatment with brexpiprazole. During the open-label treatment period, 2% of patients discontinued due to weight increase. In patients previously treated with REXULTI for 8 weeks, the mean increase in weight from the open-label study baseline to last visit was 4.5 kg. and 26% of patients had an increase in age-and-gender-adjusted body weight z-score of at least 0.5 SD from baseline.

Juvenile Animal Studies

Juvenile rats were administered oral doses of brexpiprazole of 3, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day once daily beginning from weaning (postnatal day 21) through adulthood (postnatal day 90), followed by a 4-week recovery (non-dosing) period. Results were similar to those observed in previous repeat‑dose toxicity studies in adolescent (8-week-old) rats. Mortality occurred at the high-dose of 20 mg/kg/day, as well as delayed sexual maturation in males and decreased rearing and motor activity. There was no evidence of neurotoxicity or effects on fertility and reproductive function. Histopathologic changes in reproductive organs and mammary glands occurred at all doses, were related to the pharmacology of brexpiprazole and were comparable to those in adult rats. All findings were at least partially reversible. Juvenile dogs were administered oral doses of brexpiprazole of 1, 3, and 30 mg/kg/day once daily starting at 8 or 9 weeks of age for 26 weeks, followed by an 8-week recovery (non-dosing) period. Decreases in body weight, lethargy, changes in heart rate, and immature male sex organs were observed at 30 mg/kg/day. These findings were at least partially reversible.