AbbVie’s VRAYLAR Shows Real-World Benefits for Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Key Points

• AbbVie presented new real-world VRAYLAR® results at Psych Congress 2026.
• Adults with major depressive disorder and bipolar I depression showed improvements in depression symptoms and day-to-day functioning.
• In a bipolar I depression study, patients improved after 12 weeks of treatment with VRAYLAR.
• In a major depressive disorder study, using VRAYLAR alongside an antidepressant was linked to improved mood, energy, motivation, and ability to enjoy life.
• The company also shared long-term pediatric safety data and patient survey results about treatment preferences.

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) has presented new research on VRAYLAR, also known as cariprazine, showing that the medication may help people with depression and bipolar I depression in everyday medical settings.

The studies are important because they examined patients receiving normal clinical care rather than people participating in highly controlled drug trials.

VRAYLAR Helped Patients Manage Depression Symptoms in Everyday Care

In a real-world study of people with bipolar I depression, patients taking VRAYLAR showed meaningful improvements in their depression symptoms after 12 weeks.

AbbVie said patients also reported better day-to-day functioning and improved quality of life. This can include feeling more able to manage regular responsibilities, relationships, work, and other parts of daily life.

The most commonly reported side effects were nausea and dizziness.

Add-On VRAYLAR Treatment Improved Energy and Motivation

AbbVie also shared early results from a study of adults with major depressive disorder who added VRAYLAR to their existing antidepressant.

The company said patients showed improvements in depression symptoms, as well as areas that can affect daily life, including energy, motivation, and the ability to feel interest or enjoyment.

These findings may be relevant for people who do not get enough relief from an antidepressant alone and need an additional treatment option.

Survey Shows Many Patients Prefer Adding Treatment Instead of Switching

AbbVie also presented results from a survey of people with major depressive disorder.

The survey found that most patients preferred adding another medication to their current antidepressant instead of stopping it and switching to a new treatment when their current medicine was not helping enough.

The company said this supports the need for add-on treatment options for people who continue to experience depression symptoms.

Long-Term Safety Data Presented for Younger Patients

AbbVie presented long-term safety findings for VRAYLAR in younger patients with bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, or autism spectrum disorder.

The company said VRAYLAR was generally well tolerated in the age groups studied. However, VRAYLAR is not FDA-approved for the treatment of autism.

What the New VRAYLAR Data Means

Major depressive disorder and bipolar I disorder can affect mood, energy, sleep, work, relationships, and quality of life. AbbVie said the new findings add support for VRAYLAR’s potential to help patients outside the controlled setting of a clinical trial.

People should speak with a qualified healthcare provider about whether VRAYLAR or any other treatment may be appropriate for their individual needs.