Brexpiprazole in Borderline Personality Disorder

The primary objective of the proposed study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Brexpiprazole in adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The hypothesis to be tested is that brexpiprazole will be more effective and well tolerated in adults with BPD compared to placebo. The proposed study will provide needed data on the treatment of a disabling disorder.

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by mood instability, cognitive symptoms, impulsive behavior, and disturbed relationships (1-3). A variety of psychotherapies have been developed (4-6) and, while research on the use of medication is ongoing, no drug has been approved in the United States or elsewhere for its treatment (7). Second generation antipsychotics have been the most intensively studied (8-11). Current treatments for BPD are often inadequate. Dialectical behavioral therapy has been shown to reduce BPD but finding trained psychologists is difficult.

Dysfunctions in the serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems have been demonstrated in-and considered as possible causes for-symptoms associated with the disorder (25-28). Several studies on the use of traditional (29) and atypical antipsychotic agents in patients with borderline personality disorder (30-31) have shown a positive effect on individual symptoms (29, 32-36). However, we are not aware of any study evaluating Brexpiprazole in the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder. In the proposed double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the influence of Brexpiprazole on the multifaceted psychopathological symptoms and aggression of patients with borderline personality disorder will be investigated.

Brexpiprazole therefore has distinctive properties that make it a promising option for patients with BPD. Brexpiprazole is a novel D2 partial agonist, has affinity for 5-HT1A, acts as an antagonist of the noradrenergic α1/2 receptor, partial agonist for D3, and antagonist for 5-HT2A (37-39). In addition, because of low rates of side effects, Brexpiprazole should be a well-tolerated and in fact desired medication approach to BPD.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women age 18-65;
2. Primary diagnosis of BPD
3. Zanarini scale score of at least 9 at baseline
4. Ability to understand and sign the consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unstable medical illness based on history or clinically significant abnormalities on baseline physical examination
2. Subjects with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder
3. Subjects with an active substance use disorder
4. Current pregnancy or lactation, or inadequate contraception in women of childbearing potential
5. Subjects considered an immediate suicide risk based on the Columbia Suicide Severity rating Scale (C-SSRS) (www.cssrs.columbia.edu/docs)
6. Illegal substance use based on urine toxicology screening
7. Initiation of psychological interventions within 3 months of screening
8. Use of any other psychotropic medication
9. Previous treatment with Brexpiprazole
10. Cognitive impairment that interferes with the capacity to understand and self-administer medication or provide written informed consent