FDA approves first drug for Parkinson’s-related hallucinations, delusions

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new drug that treats delusions and hallucinations that are associated with psychosis affecting patients with Parkinson’s disease. 

 

Nuplazid (pimavanserin), from Acadia Pharmaceuticals, is the first medication to be approved to treat Parkinson’s-related psychosis, which affects some 40% of the 4-6 million patients with Parkinson’s disease. The drug was granted breakthrough therapy designation and a priority review by the FDA. 

 

“Hallucinations and delusions can be profoundly disturbing and disabling,” said Dr. Mitchell Mathis, director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Nuplazid represents an important treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease who experience these symptoms.”

 

Acadia expects Nuplazid to be available in June.