H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) announces a new study that finds reduction in emotional blunting for people living with Major Depressive Disorder when treated with vortioxetine. In total, 150 patients were enrolled in the study called COMPLETE. A significant improvement in symptoms of emotional blunting as measured by Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ) was observed after only one week of treatment; a benefit that continued to increase up until the end of study.

Emotional blunting is a common symptom of MDD and is clinically important as it prevents full recovery. It is experienced by half of all patients treated with SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor).
 

"Blunted emotions are well-recognized to have functional consequences on patients' social, family and work life. It is a severe symptom to people who are seeking full recovery from Major Depressive Disorder. We are pleased to be able to share such positive data with the wider neuroscience community," says Johan Luthman, EVP Research and Development

Patients in the study had been treated at adequate dose for at least six weeks with either an SSRI or SNRI and suffered from emotional blunting prior to entering this 8-week open-label study. After eight weeks of treatment with vortioxetine, 50% of the patients reported they did not experience this symptom anymore. A significant improvement in patients psychosocial functioning as measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale (work, family and social life) was also observed.

Based on the mechanism of actions, in particular modulation of 5-HT3 and the downstream positive effect on dopamine, the results of this study appear to support that vortioxetine may have a positive effect on emotional blunting.The results are encouraging as they show that emotional blunting potentially can be addressed by switching medication and lead to a significant improvement in their overall functioning in daily life.   

The key data from the study was presented on the occasion of the 33rd ECNP Congress Virtual with educational financial support provided by Lundbeck.

About emotional blunting
About 50% of all patients treated with SSRIs or SNRIs suffer from emotional blunting[i] (http://#_edn1). This symptom is a clinical state where both positive and negative emotions are toned down or flattened. It leaves patients feeling indifferent to many aspects of their life that should matter to them such as their family, friends, and their job. The symptoms are particularly prominent when patients reach remission from their core symptoms of depression and re-engage in activities of their normal life that have been reduced or put on hold during the acute phase of their illness. Living with emotional blunting is unacceptable for many patients with MDD and it is a very common reason for stopping medication.

About vortioxetine
The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of vortioxetine is not fully understood. It is an inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) reuptake and that is thought to be a mechanism of its action. It is also an agonist at 5-HT\1A\ receptors, a partial agonist at 5-HT\1B\ receptors and an antagonist at 5-HT\3\, 5-HT\1D\ and 5-HT\7\ receptors. The contribution of each of these activities to vortioxetine's antidepressant effect has not been established. It is considered to be the first and only compound with this combination of pharmacodynamic activity. The clinical relevance of this is unknown. Vortioxetine was discovered by Lundbeck researchers in Copenhagen, Denmark. Depending on the market, vortioxetine is known as Trintellix[®] or Brintellix[®].

Contacts

Mikkel Ballegaard Pedersen
Communication Consultant, Corp. Communication
mbap@lundbeck.com
+45 30 83 20 44
 

About Lundbeck
H. Lundbeck A/S (LUN.CO, LUN DC, HLUYY) is a global pharmaceutical company specialized in brain diseases. For more than 70 years, we have been at the forefront of neuroscience research. We are tirelessly dedicated to restoring brain health, so every person can be their best.

Millions of people worldwide live with brain diseases and far too many suffer due to inadequate treatment, discrimination, a reduced number of working days, early retirement and other unnecessary consequences. Every day, we strive for improved treatment and a better life for people living with brain diseases - we call this Progress in Mind.

Our approximately 5,800 employees in more than 50 countries are engaged in the entire value chain throughout research, development, production, marketing and sales. Our pipeline consists of several R&D programs and our products are available in more than 100 countries. We have research centers in Denmark and the US and our production facilities are located in Denmark, France and Italy. Lundbeck generated revenue of DKK 17.0 billion in 2019 (EUR 2.3 billion; USD 2.6 billion).

For additional information, we encourage you to visit our corporate site www.lundbeck.com and connect with us on Twitter at @Lundbeck (https://twitter.com/lundbeck) andvia LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/lundbeck/).

[i] (http://#_ednref1) G M Goodwin et al. J Affect Disord. 2017