Studies to Investigate the Mechanism of Action of Sunovion Compound SEP-856

Primary action of SEP856 in Smart Cube profile was antipsychotic, with antidepressant, mood stabilizing, and anxiolytic properties. This is comparable to the profile of an atypical antipsychotic drug (AAPD). Importantly, it does not block D2 or 5-HT2A receptors, which distinguishes it from all AAPDs, including pimavanserin. Pimavanserin is a selective 5-HT2A inverse agonist and produces an antipsychotic action in L-DOPA and Alzheimer’s psychosis and augments subeffective doses of risperidone in treating acute psychosis in schizophrenia patients.