Pimavanserin tartrateProduct ingredient for Pimavanserin

Pimavanserin is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.¹⁹ Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, it is thought that pimavanserin interacts with the serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT_2A and HT_2C receptors.¹⁹ Unlike other atypical antipsychotics, pimavanserin lacks inherent dopaminergic activity. In fact, pimavanserin is the first antipsychotic drug without D₂ blocking activity. Therefore, pimavanserin can be used to treat psychotic symptoms without causing extrapyramidal or worsening motor symptoms.^6,3

Pimavanserin is marketed under the trade name NUPLAZID and developed by Acadia Pharmaceuticals.¹¹ It was approved by the FDA in April 2016 for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis thanks to favorable results from a pivotal six-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.^20,3 Pimavanserin was also under review as a potential treatment for dementia-related psychosis; however, as of April 2021, FDA approval has not been granted for this indication despite previous breakthrough designation.¹⁸