Balovaptan Explained

Balovaptan (; developmental code name RG7314), is a selective small molecule antagonist of the vasopressin V1A receptor which is under development by Roche for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.[1]

Clinical studies

Post-traumatic stress disorder

It was in a phase III clinical trial for adults and a phase II clinical trial for children for this indication.

Autism

In January 2018, Roche announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had granted breakthrough therapy designation for balovaptan in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).[2] The FDA granted this based on the results of the adult phase II clinical trial called VANILLA (Vasopressin ANtagonist to Improve sociaL communication in Autism) study.[3] The phase III adult study (March 2020) is called V1aduct and the phase II child study is called Av1ation.

The phase III study concluded that balovaptan did not improve social communication in autistic adults.[4]

It was also in phase II studies for the treatment of stroke. However, it has since been discontinued for both of those indications, and is only being developed for post-traumatic stress disorder, with plans to submit regulatory filings in 2025 or later.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Roche - Pipeline . 2023 . 2023-04-05.
  2. FDA grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Roche's balovaptan in autism spectrum disorder. . 2018-01-29 . 2018-02-06.
  3. Bolognani F, Del Valle Rubido M, Squassante L, Wandel C, Derks M, Murtagh L, Sevigny J, Khwaja O, Umbricht D, Fontoura P . A phase 2 clinical trial of a vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist shows improved adaptive behaviors in men with autism spectrum disorder . Science Translational Medicine . 11 . 491 . May 2019 . 31043521 . 10.1126/scitranslmed.aat7838 . free .
  4. Jacob S, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Murphy D, McCracken J, Smith J, Sanders K, Meyenberg C, Wiese T, Deol-Bhullar G, Wandel C, Ashford E, Anagnostou E . Efficacy and safety of balovaptan for socialisation and communication difficulties in autistic adults in North America and Europe: a phase 3, randomised, placebo-controlled trial . The Lancet. Psychiatry . 9 . 3 . 199–210 . March 2022 . 35151410 . 10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00429-6 .
  5. Web site: Balovaptan . Adis Insight . Springer Nature Switzerland AG . 2023-04-05.