Methodological challenges in indirect treatment comparisons: spotlight on a recent comparison of long-acting injectable aripiprazole versus paliperidone palmitate in the treatment of schizophrenia

Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2018 Jul;33(4):213-216. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0000000000000215.

Abstract

In a recent study, an indirect treatment comparison was performed to examine the relative efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole once monthly and paliperidone palmitate once monthly. The authors concluded that the results may suggest relative advantages for aripiprazole once monthly over paliperidone palmitate once monthly in the short-term treatment of schizophrenia. However, the validity of the study is compromised as an indirect treatment comparison using extant data may violate important assumptions. Other methodological issues identified further highlight the challenges of performing indirect treatment comparisons.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Aripiprazole / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paliperidone Palmitate / administration & dosage*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Aripiprazole
  • Paliperidone Palmitate