Indivior PLC has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Perseris, the first once-monthly subcutaneous risperidone-containing, long-acting injectable (LAI) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Clinically relevant levels were reached after the first injection of Perseris without use of a loading dose or any supplemental oral risperidone. Indivior PLC is headquartered in Slough, England, and Richmond, VA.

Indications: Perseris contains risperidone, a well-established treatment for schizophrenia, and uses the extended-release delivery system to form a subcutaneous (under the skin) depot that provides sustained levels of risperidone over 1 month. Initial peak risperidone plasma levels occur within 4 to 6 hours of dosing and are due to an initial release of the drug during the depot formation process.

Dosage/administration: Perseris may be initiated at a dose of 90 mg or 120 mg. It should be administered monthly by subcutaneous injection in the abdomen by a healthcare professional. No >1 dose should be administered per month.

Adverse reactions: The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials (≥5% and >twice placebo) were increased weight, sedation/somnolence, and musculoskeletal pain.