Preparation Prior to Reconstitution

For deep intramuscular deltoid or gluteal injection by healthcare professionals only. Do not administer by any other route. Inject full syringe contents immediately following reconstitution. Administer once monthly.

Lay out and confirm that components listed below are provided in the kit:

• One ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) pre-filled dual chamber syringe (400 mg or 300 mg as appropriate) for extended-release injectable suspension containing lyophilized powder and Sterile Water for Injection
• One 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for deltoid administration in non-obese patients
• One 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in non-obese patients or deltoid administration in obese patients
• One 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in obese patients

Reconstitution of Lyophilized Powder in Pre-filled Dual Chamber Syringe

Reconstitute at room temperature.

a)

Push plunger rod slightly to engage threads. And then, rotate plunger rod until the rod stops rotating to release diluent. After plunger rod is at complete stop, middle stopper will be at the indicator line (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

b)

Vertically shake the syringe vigorously for 20 seconds until drug is uniformly milky-white (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

c)

Visually inspect the syringe for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The reconstituted ABILIFY MAINTENA suspension should appear to be a uniform, homogeneous suspension that is opaque and milky-white in color.

Injection Procedure

Use appropriate aseptic techniques throughout injection procedure. For deep intramuscular injection only.

a)

Twist and pull off Over-cap and Tip-cap (see Figure 3).

Figure 3

b)

Select appropriate needle (see Figure 4).

Figure 4

For deltoid administration:

• 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for non-obese patients
• 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for obese patients

For gluteal administration:

• 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for non-obese patients
• 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for obese patients

c)

While holding the needle cap, ensure the needle is firmly seated on the safety device with a push. Twist clockwise until SNUGLY fitted (see Figure 5).

Figure 5

d)

Then PULL needle-cap straight up (see Figure 6).

Figure 6

e)

Hold syringe UPRIGHT and ADVANCE PLUNGER ROD SLOWLY TO EXPEL THE AIR. Expel air until suspension fills needle base. If it's not possible to advance plunger rod to expel the air, check that plunger rod is rotated to a complete stop (see Figure 7).

Figure 7

f)

Inject slowly into the deltoid or gluteal muscle. Do not massage the injection site.

Disposal Procedure

a)

Engage the needle safety device and safely discard all kit components (see Figure 8). ABILIFY MAINTENA pre-filled dual chamber syringe is for single-use only.

Figure 8

b)

Rotate sites of injections between the two deltoid or gluteal muscles.

Preparation Prior to Reconstitution

For deep intramuscular injection by healthcare professionals only. Do not administer by any other route. Inject immediately after reconstitution. Administer once monthly.

a)

Lay out and confirm that components listed below are provided in the kit:

• Vial of ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) for extended-release injectable suspension lyophilized powder
• 5-mL vial of Sterile Water for Injection, USP
• One 3-mL, luer lock syringe with pre-attached 21-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device
• One 3-mL, luer lock disposable syringe with luer lock tip
• One vial adapter
• One 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for deltoid administration in non-obese patients
• One 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in non-obese patients or deltoid administration in obese patients
• One 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in obese patients

b)

ABILIFY MAINTENA should be suspended using the Sterile Water for Injection as supplied in the kit.

c)

The Sterile Water for Injection and ABILIFY MAINTENA vials are for single-use only.

d)

Use appropriate aseptic techniques throughout reconstitution and reconstitute at room temperature.

e)

Select the amount of Sterile Water for Injection needed for reconstitution (see Table 2).

Important: There is more Sterile Water for Injection in the vial than is needed to reconstitute ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) for extended-release injectable suspension. The vial will have excess Sterile Water for Injection; discard any unused portion.

Reconstitution of Lyophilized Powder in Vial

a)

Remove the cap of the vial of Sterile Water for Injection and remove the cap of the vial containing ABILIFY MAINTENA lyophilized powder and wipe the tops with a sterile alcohol swab.

b)

Using the syringe with pre-attached hypodermic safety needle, withdraw the pre-determined Sterile Water for Injection volume from the vial of Sterile Water for Injection into the syringe (see Figure 9). Residual Sterile Water for Injection will remain in the vial following withdrawal; discard any unused portion.

Figure 9

c)

Slowly inject the Sterile Water for Injection into the vial containing the ABILIFY MAINTENA lyophilized powder (see Figure 10).

Figure 10

d)

Withdraw air to equalize the pressure in the vial by pulling back slightly on the plunger. Subsequently, remove the needle from the vial. Engage the needle safety device by using the one-handed technique (see Figure 11). Gently press the sheath against a flat surface until the needle is firmly engaged in the needle protection sheath. Visually confirm that the needle is fully engaged into the needle protection sheath, and discard.

Figure 11

e)

Shake the vial vigorously for 30 seconds until the reconstituted suspension appears uniform (see Figure 12).

Figure 12

f)

Visually inspect the reconstituted suspension for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The reconstituted ABILIFY MAINTENA is a uniform, homogeneous suspension that is opaque and milky-white in color.

g)

If the injection is not performed immediately after reconstitution keep the vial at room temperature and shake the vial vigorously for at least 60 seconds to re-suspend prior to injection.

h)

Do not store the reconstituted suspension in a syringe.

Preparation Prior to Injection

a)

Use appropriate aseptic techniques throughout injection of the reconstituted ABILIFY MAINTENA suspension.

b)

Remove the cover from the vial adapter package (see Figure 13). Do not remove the vial adapter from the package.

Figure 13

c)

Using the vial adapter package to handle the vial adapter, attach the prepackaged luer lock syringe to the vial adapter (see Figure 14).

Figure 14

d)

Use the luer lock syringe to remove the vial adapter from the package and discard the vial adapter package (see Figure 15). Do not touch the spike tip of the adapter at any time.

Figure 15

e)

Determine the recommended volume for injection (Table 3).

f)

Wipe the top of the vial of the reconstituted ABILIFY MAINTENA suspension with a sterile alcohol swab.

g)

Place and hold the vial of the reconstituted ABILIFY MAINTENA suspension on a hard surface. Attach the adapter-syringe assembly to the vial by holding the outside of the adapter and pushing the adapter's spike firmly through the rubber stopper, until the adapter snaps in place (see Figure 16).

Figure 16

h)

Slowly withdraw the recommended volume from the vial into the luer lock syringe to allow for injection (see Figure 17). A small amount of excess product will remain in the vial.

Figure 17

Injection Procedure

a)

Detach the luer lock syringe containing the recommended volume of reconstituted ABILIFY MAINTENA suspension from the vial.

b)

Select the appropriate hypodermic safety needle and attach the needle to the luer lock syringe containing the suspension for injection. While holding the needle cap, ensure the needle is firmly seated on the safety device with a push. Twist clockwise until snugly fitted and then pull the needle cap straight away from the needle (see Figure 18).

For deltoid administration:

• 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for non-obese patients
• 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for obese patients

For gluteal administration:

• 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for non-obese patients
• 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for obese patients
  
  

  Figure 18

(c)

Slowly inject the recommended volume as a single intramuscular injection into the deltoid or gluteal muscle. Do not massage the injection site.

Disposal Procedure

a)

Engage the needle safety device as described in Section 2.6, Step (d) of Reconstitution of Lyophilized Powder in Vial and safely discard all kit components (see Figure 8). Dispose of the vials, adapter, needles, and syringe appropriately after injection. The Sterile Water for Injection and ABILIFY MAINTENA vials are for single-use only.

b)

Rotate sites of injections between the two deltoid or gluteal muscles.

Hyperglycemia/Diabetes Mellitus

Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, or death, has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. There have been reports of hyperglycemia in patients treated with aripiprazole [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the general population. Given these confounders, the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and hyperglycemia-related adverse reactions is not completely understood. However, epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of hyperglycemia-related adverse reactions in patients treated with the atypical antipsychotics.

Patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who are started on atypical antipsychotics should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus (e.g., obesity, family history of diabetes), who are starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when the atypical antipsychotic was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment despite discontinuation of the atypical antipsychotic drug.

In a short-term, placebo-controlled randomized trial in adults with schizophrenia, the mean change in fasting glucose was +9.8 mg/dL (N=88) in the ABILIFY MAINTENA-treated patients and +0.7 mg/dL (N=59) in the placebo-treated patients. Table 4 shows the proportion of ABILIFY MAINTENA-treated patients with normal and borderline fasting glucose at baseline and their changes in fasting glucose measurements.

During a 52-week, open-label bipolar I disorder study in those patients who initiated ABILIFY MAINTENA treatment, 1.1% with normal baseline fasting glucose experienced a shift to high while receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA and 9.8% with borderline fasting glucose experienced a shift to high. Combined, 2.9% of these patients with normal or borderline fasting glucose experienced shifts to high fasting glucose during this trial.

Dyslipidemia

Undesirable alterations in lipids have been observed in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.

Table 5 shows the proportion of adult patients from one short-term, placebo-controlled randomized trial in adults with schizophrenia taking ABILIFY MAINTENA, with changes in total cholesterol, fasting triglycerides, fasting LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

During a 52-week, open-label bipolar I disorder study in those patients who initiated ABILIFY MAINTENA, shifts from baseline in fasting cholesterol from normal to high were reported in 2.1% (total cholesterol) and 2.2% (LDL cholesterol) and shifts from baseline from normal to low were reported in 8.5% (HDL cholesterol). Of these patients with normal baseline triglycerides, 3.6% experienced shifts to high, and 0.0% experienced shifts to very high. Combined, 1.0% of these patients with normal or borderline fasting triglycerides experienced shifts to very high fasting triglycerides during this trial.

Weight Gain

Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use. Clinical monitoring of weight is recommended.

In one short-term, placebo-controlled trial in adult patients with schizophrenia with ABILIFY MAINTENA, the mean change in body weight at Week 12 was +3.5 kg (N=99) in the ABILIFY MAINTENA-treated patients and +0.8 kg (N=66) in the placebo-treated patients.

Table 6 shows the percentage of adult patients with schizophrenia with weight gain ≥7% of body weight in a short-term, placebo-controlled trial with ABILIFY MAINTENA.

During a 52-week, open-label bipolar I disorder study in those patients who initiated ABILIFY MAINTENA, 1.8% discontinued ABILIFY MAINTENA treatment due to weight increase. ABILIFY MAINTENA was associated with mean increase from baseline in weight of 1.0 kg at week 52. In this trial, 21.4% of these patients demonstrated ≥7% increase in body weight and 15.4% demonstrated a ≥7% decrease in body weight.

Safety Database of ABILIFY MAINTENA and Oral Aripiprazole

Oral aripiprazole has been evaluated for safety in 16,114 adult patients who participated in multiple-dose, clinical trials in schizophrenia and other indications, and who had approximately 8,578 patient-years of exposure to oral aripiprazole. A total of 3,901 patients were treated with oral aripiprazole for at least 180 days, 2,259 patients were treated with oral aripiprazole for at least 360 days, and 933 patients continuing aripiprazole treatment for at least 720 days.

ABILIFY MAINTENA has been evaluated for safety in 2,128 adult patients in clinical trials in schizophrenia, with approximately 2,633 patient-years of exposure to ABILIFY MAINTENA. A total of 1,229 patients were treated with ABILIFY MAINTENA for at least 180 days (at least 7 consecutive injections) and 935 patients treated with ABILIFY MAINTENA had at least 1 year of exposure (at least 13 consecutive injections).

ABILIFY MAINTENA has been evaluated for safety in 804 adult patients in clinical trials in bipolar I disorder, with approximately 530 patient-years of exposure to ABILIFY MAINTENA. A total of 419 patients were treated with ABILIFY MAINTENA for at least 180 days (at least 7 consecutive injections) and 287 patients treated with ABILIFY MAINTENA had at least 1 year of exposure (at least 13 consecutive injections).

The conditions and duration of treatment with ABILIFY MAINTENA included double-blind and open-label studies. The safety data presented below are derived from the 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled study of ABILIFY MAINTENA in adult patients with schizophrenia.

Adverse Reactions with ABILIFY MAINTENA

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ABILIFY during pregnancy. For more information contact the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Risk Summary

Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs, including ABILIFY MAINTENA, during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms. There are insufficient data with ABILIFY MAINTENA use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, oral and intravenous aripiprazole administration during organogenesis in rats and/or rabbits at doses 10 and 11 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) produced fetal death, decreased fetal weight, undescended testicles, delayed skeletal ossification, skeletal abnormalities, and diaphragmatic hernia. Oral and intravenous aripiprazole administration during the pre- and post-natal period in rats at doses 10 times the MRHD produced prolonged gestation, stillbirths, decreased pup weight, and decreased pup survival. Consider the benefits and risks of ABILIFY MAINTENA and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing ABILIFY MAINTENA to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of potential fetal risk.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Animal Data

In animal studies, aripiprazole demonstrated developmental toxicity, including possible teratogenic effects in rats and rabbits.

Pregnant rats were treated with oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day which are approximately 1 to 10 times the MRHD of 30 mg/day on mg/m2 basis of aripiprazole during the period of organogenesis. Treatment at the highest dose caused a slight prolongation of gestation and delay in fetal development, as evidenced by decreased fetal weight and undescended testes. Delayed skeletal ossification was observed at 3 and 10 times the oral MRHD on mg/m2 basis.

At 3 and 10 times the oral MRHD on mg/m2 basis, delivered offspring had decreased body weights. Increased incidences of hepatodiaphragmatic nodules and diaphragmatic hernia were observed in offspring from the highest dose group (the other dose groups were not examined for these findings). Postnatally, delayed vaginal opening was seen at 3 and 10 times the oral MRHD on mg/m2 basis and impaired reproductive performance (decreased fertility rate, corpora lutea, implants, live fetuses, and increased post-implantation loss, likely mediated through effects on female offspring) along with some maternal toxicity were seen at the highest dose; however, there was no evidence to suggest that these developmental effects were secondary to maternal toxicity.

In pregnant rats treated with aripiprazole intravenously at doses of 3, 9, and 27 mg/kg/day, which are 1 to 9 times the oral MRHD on mg/m2 basis, during the period of organogenesis, decreased fetal weight and delayed skeletal ossification were seen at the highest dose which also caused maternal toxicity.

In pregnant rabbits treated with oral doses of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg/day which are 2 to 11 times human exposure at the oral MRHD based on AUC and 6 to 65 times the oral MRHD of aripiprazole on mg/m2 basis during the period of organogenesis, decreased maternal food consumption and increased abortions were seen at the highest dose as well as increased fetal mortality. Decreased fetal weight and increased incidence of fused sternebrae were observed at 3 and 11 times the MRHD based on AUC.

In pregnant rabbits receiving aripiprazole injection intravenously at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day, which are 2 to 19 times the oral MRHD on mg/m2 basis during the period of organogenesis, the highest dose caused pronounced maternal toxicity that resulted in decreased fetal weight, increased fetal abnormalities (primarily skeletal), and decreased fetal skeletal ossification. The fetal no-effect dose was 5 times the human exposure at the oral MRHD based on AUC and is 6 times the oral MRHD on mg/m2 basis.

In rats treated with oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day, which are 1 to 10 times the oral MRHD of aripiprazole on a mg/m2 basis, peri- and post-natally (from Day 17 of gestation through Day 21 postpartum), slight maternal toxicity and slightly prolonged gestation were seen at the highest dose. An increase in stillbirths and decreases in pup weight (persisting into adulthood) and survival were also seen at this dose.

In rats treated with aripiprazole intravenously at doses of 3, 8, and 20 mg/kg/day which are 1 to 6 times the oral MRHD on mg/m2 basis from Day 6 of gestation through Day 20 postpartum, increased stillbirths were seen at 3 and 6 times the MRHD on mg/m2 basis, and decreases in early postnatal pup weight and survival were seen at the highest dose; these doses produced some maternal toxicity. There were no effects on postnatal behavioral and reproductive development.

Risk Summary

Aripiprazole is present in human breast milk; however, there are insufficient data to assess the amount in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for ABILIFY MAINTENA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from ABILIFY MAINTENA or from the underlying maternal condition.

Juvenile Animal Studies

Aripiprazole in juvenile rats caused mortality, CNS clinical signs, impaired memory and learning, and delayed sexual maturation when administered at oral doses of 10, 20, 40 mg/kg/day from weaning (21 days old) through maturity (80 days old). At 40 mg/kg/day, mortality, decreased activity, splayed hind limbs, hunched posture, ataxia, tremors and other CNS signs were observed in both genders. In addition, delayed sexual maturation was observed in males. At all doses and in a dose-dependent manner, impaired memory and learning, increased motor activity, and histopathology changes in the pituitary (atrophy), adrenals (adrenocortical hypertrophy), mammary glands (hyperplasia and increased secretion), and female reproductive organs (vaginal mucification, endometrial atrophy, decrease in ovarian corpora lutea) were observed. The changes in female reproductive organs were considered secondary to the increase in prolactin serum levels. A No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) could not be determined and, at the lowest tested dose of 10 mg/kg/day, there is no safety margin relative to the systemic exposures (AUC0-24) for aripiprazole or its major active metabolite in adolescents at the maximum recommended pediatric dose of 15 mg/day. All drug-related effects were reversible after a 2-month recovery period, and most of the drug effects in juvenile rats were also observed in adult rats from previously conducted studies.

Aripiprazole in juvenile dogs (2 months old) caused CNS clinical signs of tremors, hypoactivity, ataxia, recumbency and limited use of hind limbs when administered orally for 6 months at 3, 10, 30 mg/kg/day. Mean body weight and weight gain were decreased up to 18% in females in all drug groups relative to control values. A NOAEL could not be determined and, at the lowest tested dose of 3 mg/kg/day, there is no safety margin relative to the systemic exposures (AUC0-24) for aripiprazole or its major active metabolite in adolescents at the maximum recommended pediatric dose of 15 mg/day. All drug-related effects were reversible after a 2-month recovery period.

No dosage adjustment for ABILIFY MAINTENA is required on the basis of a patient's hepatic function (mild to severe hepatic impairment, Child-Pugh score between 5 and 15), or renal function (mild to severe renal impairment, glomerular filtration rate between 15 and 90 mL/minute) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Alcohol

There was no significant difference between oral aripiprazole coadministered with ethanol and placebo coadministered with ethanol on performance of gross motor skills or stimulus response in healthy subjects. As with most psychoactive medications, patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking ABILIFY MAINTENA.

Drug Interaction Studies

No specific drug interaction studies have been performed with ABILIFY MAINTENA. The information below is obtained from studies with oral aripiprazole.

Effects of other drugs on the exposures of aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole are summarized in Figure 19 and Figure 20, respectively. Based on simulation, a 4.5-fold increase in mean Cmax and AUC values at steady-state is expected when extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 are administered with both strong CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors. After oral administration, a 3-fold increase in mean Cmax and AUC values at steady-state is expected in poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Figure 19: The effects of other drugs on aripiprazole pharmacokinetics

Figure 20: The effects of other drugs on dehydro-aripiprazole pharmacokinetics

The effects of ABILIFY on the exposures of other drugs are summarized in Figure 21. A population PK analysis in patients with major depressive disorder showed no substantial change in plasma concentrations of fluoxetine (20 mg/day or 40 mg/day), paroxetine CR (37.5 mg/day or 50 mg/day), or sertraline (100 mg/day or 150 mg/day) dosed to steady-state. The steady-state plasma concentrations of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine increased by about 18% and 36%, respectively, and concentrations of paroxetine decreased by about 27%. The steady-state plasma concentrations of sertraline and desmethylsertraline were not substantially changed when these antidepressant therapies were coadministered with aripiprazole.

Figure 21: The effects of oral aripiprazole on pharmacokinetics of other drugs

Studies in Specific Populations

No specific pharmacokinetic studies have been performed with ABILIFY MAINTENA in specific populations. All the information is obtained from studies with oral aripiprazole.

Exposures of aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole in specific populations are summarized in Figure 22 and Figure 23, respectively. In addition, in pediatric patients (10 to 17 years of age) administered with oral aripiprazole (20 mg to 30 mg), the body weight corrected aripiprazole clearance was similar to the adults.

Figure 22 Effects of intrinsic factors on aripiprazole pharmacokinetics

Figure 23: Effects of intrinsic factors on dehydro-aripiprazole pharmacokinetics:

Carcinogenesis

Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were conducted in ICR mice, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and F344 rats. Aripiprazole was administered for 2 years in the diet at doses of 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day to ICR mice and 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day to F344 rats (0.2 to 5 times and 0.3 to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] based on mg/m2, respectively). In addition, SD rats were dosed orally for 2 years at 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/day (3 to 19 times the MRHD based on mg/m2). Aripiprazole did not induce tumors in male mice or male rats. In female mice, the incidences of pituitary gland adenomas and mammary gland adenocarcinomas and adenoacanthomas were increased at dietary doses of 3 to 30 mg/kg/day (0.1 to 0.9 times human exposure at MRHD based on AUC and 0.5 to 5 times the MRHD based on mg/m2). In female rats, the incidence of mammary gland fibroadenomas was increased at a dietary dose of 10 mg/kg/day (0.1 times human exposure at MRHD based on AUC and 3 times the MRHD based on mg/m2); and the incidences of adrenocortical carcinomas and combined adrenocortical adenomas/carcinomas were increased at an oral dose of 60 mg/kg/day (14 times human exposure at MRHD based on AUC and 19 times the MRHD based on mg/m2).

Proliferative changes in the pituitary and mammary gland of rodents have been observed following chronic administration of other antipsychotic agents and are considered prolactin-mediated. Serum prolactin was not measured in the aripiprazole carcinogenicity studies. However, increases in serum prolactin levels were observed in female mice in a 13-week dietary study at the doses associated with mammary gland and pituitary tumors. Serum prolactin was not increased in female rats in 4-week and 13-week dietary studies at the dose associated with mammary gland tumors. The relevance for human risk of the findings of prolactin-mediated endocrine tumors in rodents is unknown.

Mutagenesis

The mutagenic potential of aripiprazole was tested in the in vitro bacterial reverse-mutation assay, the in vitro bacterial DNA repair assay, the in vitro forward gene mutation assay in mouse lymphoma cells, the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells, the in vivo micronucleus assay in mice, and the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in rats. Aripiprazole and a metabolite (2,3-DCPP) were clastogenic in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in CHL cells with and without metabolic activation. The metabolite, 2,3-DCPP, produced increases in numerical aberrations in the in vitro assay in CHL cells in the absence of metabolic activation. A positive response was obtained in the in vivo micronucleus assay in mice; however, the response was due to a mechanism not considered relevant to humans.

Impairment of Fertility

Female rats were treated with oral doses of 2, 6, and 20 mg/kg/day (0.6, 2, and 6 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole from 2 weeks prior to mating through Day 7 of gestation. Estrus cycle irregularities and increased corpora lutea were seen at all doses, but no impairment of fertility was seen. Increased pre-implantation loss was seen at 6 and 20 mg/kg/day and decreased fetal weight was seen at 20 mg/kg/day.

Male rats were treated with oral doses of 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/day (6, 13, and 19 times the MRHD on mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole from 9 weeks prior to mating through mating. Disturbances in spermatogenesis were seen at 60 mg/kg and prostate atrophy was seen at 40 and 60 mg/kg, but no impairment of fertility was seen.

Oral Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole produced retinal degeneration in albino rats in a 26-week chronic toxicity study at a dose of 60 mg/kg and in a 2-year carcinogenicity study at doses of 40 and 60 mg/kg. The 40 and 60 mg/kg/day doses are 13 and 19 times the MRHD based on mg/m2 and 7 to 14 times human exposure at MRHD based on AUC. Evaluation of the retinas of albino mice and of monkeys did not reveal evidence of retinal degeneration. Additional studies to further evaluate the mechanism have not been performed. The relevance of this finding to human risk is unknown.

Intramuscular Aripiprazole

The toxicological profile for aripiprazole administered to experimental animals by intramuscular injection is generally similar to that seen following oral administration at comparable plasma levels of the drug. With intramuscular injection, however, injection-site tissue reactions are observed that consist of localized inflammation, swelling, scabbing and foreign-body reactions to deposited drug. These effects gradually resolved with discontinuation of dosing.

After 26 weeks of treatment in rats, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was 50 mg/kg in male rats and 100 mg/kg in female rats, which are approximately 1 and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human 400-mg dose of aripiprazole extended-release injectable suspension on a mg/m2 body surface area. At the NOAEL in rats, the AUC7d values were 14.4 mcg∙h/mL in males and 104.1 mcg∙h/mL in females. In dogs at 52 weeks of treatment at the NOAEL of 40 mg/kg, which is approximately 3 times the MRHD (400 mg) on a mg/m2 body surface area, the AUC7d values were approximately 59 mcg∙h/mL in males and 44 mcg∙h/mL in females. In patients at the MRHD of 400 mg, the AUCτ (0-28 days) was 163 mcg∙h/mL. For comparison to this human AUC, extrapolating the animal AUC7d values to an AUC28d results in AUC28d values of approximately 58 and 416 mcg∙h/mL for male and female rats, respectively, and 236 and 175 mcg∙h/mL for male and female dogs, respectively.

Short-Term Efficacy

In the short-term (12-week), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in acutely relapsed adults (Study 1), the primary measure used for assessing psychiatric signs and symptoms was the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The PANSS is a 30-item scale that measures positive symptoms of schizophrenia (7 items), negative symptoms of schizophrenia (7 items), and general psychopathology (16 items), each rated on a scale of 1 (absent) to 7 (extreme); total PANSS scores range from 30 to 210. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in PANSS total score to week 10.

The inclusion criteria for this short-term trial included adult inpatients who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia. In addition, all patients entering the trial must have experienced an acute psychotic episode as defined by both PANSS Total Score ≥80 and a PANSS score of >4 on each of four specific psychotic symptoms (conceptual disorganization, hallucinatory behavior, suspiciousness/persecution, unusual thought content) at screening and baseline. The key secondary endpoint was the change from baseline in Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) assessment scale to week 10. The CGI-S rates the severity of mental illness on a scale of 1 (normal) to 7 (among the most extremely ill) based on the total clinical experience of the rater in treating patients with schizophrenia. Patients had a mean PANSS total score of 103 (range 82 to 144) and a CGI-S score of 5.2 (markedly ill) at entry.

In this 12-week study (n=339) comparing ABILIFY MAINTENA (n=167) to placebo (n=172), patients were administered 400 mg ABILIFY MAINTENA or placebo on Days 0, 28, and 56. The dose could be adjusted down and up within the range of 400 to 300 mg on a one-time basis. ABILIFY MAINTENA was superior to placebo in improving the PANSS total score at the end of week 10 (see Table 9).

The change in PANSS total score by week is shown in Figure 24. ABILIFY MAINTENA also showed improvement in symptoms represented by CGI-S score mean change from baseline to week 10. The results of exploratory subgroup analyses by gender, race, age, ethnicity, and BMI were similar to the results of the overall population.

Figure 24: Weekly PANSS Total Score-Change in the 12-Week, Placebo-Controlled Study with ABILIFY MAINTENA

n = the number of patients remaining in the respective study arm at each time point

Longer-Term Efficacy

The efficacy of ABILIFY MAINTENA in maintaining symptomatic control in schizophrenia was established in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal trial in adult patients (Study 2) who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia and who were being treated with at least one antipsychotic medication. Patients had at least a 3-year history of illness and a history of relapse or symptom exacerbation when not receiving antipsychotic treatment.

In addition to the PANSS and CGI-S, clinical ratings during this trial included the:

• Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale, a scale of 1 (very much improved) to 7 (very much worse) based on the change from baseline in clinical condition and
• Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Suicide (CGI-SS) scale, which is comprised of 2 parts: Part 1 rates the severity of suicidal thoughts and behavior on a scale of 1 (not at all suicidal) to 5 (attempted suicide) based on the most severe level in the last 7 days from all information available to the rater and Part 2 rates the change from baseline in suicidal thoughts and behavior on a scale of 1 (very much improved) to 7 (very much worse).

This trial included:

• A 4 to 6 week open-label, oral conversion phase for patients on antipsychotic medications other than aripiprazole. A total of 633 patients entered this phase.
• An open-label, oral aripiprazole stabilization phase (target dose of 10 mg to 30 mg once daily). A total of 710 patients entered this phase. Patients were 18 to 60 years old (mean 40 years) and 60% were male. The mean PANSS total score was 66 (range 33 to 124). The mean CGI-S score was 3.5 (mildly to moderately ill). Prior to the next phase, stabilization was required. Stabilization was defined as having all of the following for four consecutive weeks: an outpatient status, PANSS total score ≤80, CGI-S ≤4 (moderately ill), and CGI-SS score ≤2 (mildly suicidal) on Part 1 and ≤5 (minimally worsened) on Part 2; and a score of ≤4 on each of the following PANSS items: conceptual disorganization, suspiciousness, hallucinatory behavior, and unusual thought content.
• A minimum 12-week uncontrolled, single-blind ABILIFY MAINTENA stabilization phase (treatment with 400 mg of ABILIFY MAINTENA given every 4 weeks in conjunction with oral aripiprazole [10 mg to 20 mg/day] for the first 2 weeks). The dose of ABILIFY MAINTENA may have been decreased to 300 mg due to adverse reactions. A total of 576 patients entered this phase. The mean PANSS total score was 59 (range 30 to 80) and the mean CGI-S score was 3.2 (mildly ill). Prior to the next phase, stabilization was required (see above for the definition of stabilization) for 12 consecutive weeks.
• A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized-withdrawal phase to observe for relapse (defined below). A total of 403 patients were randomized 2:1 to the same dose of ABILIFY MAINTENA they were receiving at the end of the stabilization phase, (400 mg or 300 mg administered once every 4 weeks) or placebo. Patients had a mean PANSS total score of 55 (range 31 to 80) and a CGI-S score of 2.9 (mildly ill) at entry. The dose could be adjusted up and down or down and up within the range of 300 to 400 mg on a one-time basis.

The primary efficacy endpoint was time from randomization to relapse. Relapse was defined as the first occurrence of one or more of the following criteria:

• CGI-I of ≥5 (minimally worse) and
  1. an increase on any of the following individual PANSS items (conceptual disorganization, hallucinatory behavior, suspiciousness, unusual thought content) to a score >4 with an absolute increase of ≥2 on that specific item since randomization or
  2. an increase on any of the following individual PANSS items (conceptual disorganization, hallucinatory behavior, suspiciousness, unusual thought content) to a score >4 and an absolute increase ≥4 on the combined four PANSS items (conceptual disorganization, hallucinatory behavior, suspiciousness, unusual thought content) since randomization
• Hospitalization due to worsening of psychotic symptoms (including partial hospitalization), but excluding hospitalization for psychosocial reasons
• CGI-SS of 4 (severely suicidal) or 5 (attempted suicide) on Part 1 and/or 6 (much worse) or 7 (very much worse) on Part 2, or
• Violent behavior resulting in clinically significant self-injury, injury to another person, or property damage.

A pre-planned interim analysis demonstrated a statistically significantly longer time to relapse in patients randomized to the ABILIFY MAINTENA group compared to placebo-treated patients and the trial was subsequently terminated early because maintenance of efficacy was demonstrated. The final analysis demonstrated a statistically significantly longer time to relapse in patients randomized to the ABILIFY MAINTENA group than compared to placebo-treated patients. The Kaplan-Meier curves of the cumulative proportion of patients with relapse during the double-blind treatment phase for ABILIFY MAINTENA and placebo groups are shown in Figure 25.

The key secondary efficacy endpoint, percentage of subjects meeting the relapse criteria, was statistically significantly lower in patients randomized to the ABILIFY MAINTENA group (10%) than in the placebo group (40%).

Pre-filled Dual Chamber Syringe:

ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) pre-filled dual chamber syringe for extended-release injectable suspension in single-use syringes is available in 300-mg or 400-mg strength syringes. The pre-filled dual chamber syringe consists of a front chamber that contains the lyophilized powder of aripiprazole monohydrate and a rear chamber that contains sterile water for injection.

The 300-mg kit includes (NDC 59148-045-80):

• 300-mg single-dose, pre-filled, dual chamber syringe containing ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) for extended-release injectable suspension lyophilized powder and Sterile Water for Injection
• One 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for deltoid administration in non-obese patients
• One 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in non-obese patients or deltoid administration in obese patients
• One 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in obese patients

The 400-mg kit includes (NDC 59148-072-80):

• 400-mg, single-dose, pre-filled, dual chamber syringe containing ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) for extended-release injectable suspension lyophilized powder and Sterile Water for Injection
• One 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for deltoid administration in non-obese patients
• One 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in non-obese patients or deltoid administration in obese patients
• One 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in obese patients

Single-Use Vial:

ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) extended-release injectable suspension in single-use vials is available in 300-mg or 400-mg strength vials.

The 300-mg kit includes (NDC 59148-018-71):

• 300-mg, single-use vial of ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) extended-release injectable suspension lyophilized powder
• 5-mL, single-use vial of Sterile Water for Injection, USP
• One 3-mL, luer lock syringe with pre-attached 21-gauge, 1.5-inch hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device
• One 3-mL, luer lock disposable syringe with luer lock tip
• One vial adapter
• One 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for deltoid administration in non-obese patients
• One 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in non-obese patients or deltoid administration in obese patients
• One 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in obese patients

The 400-mg kit includes (NDC 59148-019-71):

• 400-mg, single-use vial of ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole) extended-release injectable suspension lyophilized powder
• 5-mL, single-use vial of Sterile Water for Injection, USP
• One 3-mL, luer lock syringe with pre-attached 21-gauge, 1.5-inch hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device
• One 3-mL, luer lock disposable syringe with luer lock tip
• One vial adapter
• One 23-gauge, 1-inch (25 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for deltoid administration in non-obese patients
• One 22-gauge, 1.5-inch (38 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in non-obese patients or deltoid administration in obese patients
• One 21-gauge, 2-inch (51 mm) hypodermic safety needle with needle protection device for gluteal administration in obese patients

Pre-filled dual chamber syringe:

Store below 30°C [86°F]. Do not freeze. Protect the syringe from light by storing in the original package until time of use.

Vial:

Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].