Caplyta Medication Category
Caplyta (lumateperone) is classified as a third-generation antipsychotic medication. 1
Classification Details
Lumateperone is specifically categorized as a third-generation antipsychotic alongside aripiprazole, cariprazine, and brexpiprazole, distinguishing it from second-generation antipsychotics (such as olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine) and first-generation antipsychotics (such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine). 1
Pharmacological Characteristics
The FDA-approved drug label describes lumateperone as an atypical antipsychotic with a unique mechanism of action. 2
Lumateperone simultaneously modulates three key neurotransmitter systems:
- Serotonin: High binding affinity for 5-HT2A receptors (Ki = 0.54 nM) and moderate affinity for serotonin transporters (Ki = 33 nM) 2, 3
- Dopamine: Moderate binding affinity for D2 receptors (Ki = 32 nM), acting as both a presynaptic partial agonist and postsynaptic antagonist 2, 4
- Glutamate: Indirect modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission 3, 4
This multi-target-directed mechanism differentiates lumateperone from traditional second-generation antipsychotics, as it has lower affinity for histaminergic (H1) and muscarinic receptors, which contributes to its favorable metabolic and sedation profile. 4, 5
FDA-Approved Indications
Lumateperone received FDA approval in December 2019 for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, making it the first-in-class selective and simultaneous modulator of serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. 6
The medication is also approved for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder, though the primary classification remains as an antipsychotic agent. 2
Clinical Positioning
As a third-generation antipsychotic, lumateperone is positioned as a novel therapeutic option for patients who may be intolerant to the extrapyramidal symptoms or metabolic adverse effects commonly seen with other antipsychotics. 4, 5