Study of the Efficacy of a Fixed-dose Regimen of Cariprazine Compared to Placebo for Treatment of the Depressive Episode in Participants With Bipolar I Disorder

Inclusion criteria

• Currently meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for bipolar I disorder without psychotic features confirmed by the administration of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), with a current major depressive episode of at least 4 weeks and not exceeding 12 months in duration
• Currently treated as an outpatient at the time of enrollment
• A verified previous manic or mixed episode. Verification must include one of the following sources:

• Treatment of mania with an anti-manic agent (eg, lithium or divalproate) or antipsychotic medication with an approved indication for mania
• Hospital records/Medical records
• Patient report corroborated by caretaker or previous or current treating clinician
• 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) total score ≥ 20
• HAMD-17 item 1 score ≥ 2
• CGI-S score ≥ 4
• Negative serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) pregnancy test (women of childbearing potential only)
• Normal physical examination, clinical laboratory test results, and electrocardiogram (ECG) results or abnormal findings that are judged not clinically significant by the Principal Investigator (PI)

Exclusion criteria

• Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score > 12
• Four or more episodes of a mood disturbance (depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed state) within the 12 months before Visit 1
• Any current axis 1 psychiatric diagnosis other than bipolar disorder with the exception of specific phobias
• History of meeting DSM-5 criteria for:

• Dementia, amnesic, or other cognitive disorder
• Schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or other psychotic disorder
• Mental retardation
• DSM-5-based diagnosis of borderline or antisocial personality disorder or other axis II disorder of sufficient severity to interfere with participation in this study
• History of meeting DSM-5 criteria for alcohol or substance abuse or dependence (other than nicotine or caffeine) within the 6 months before Visit 1
• Positive result on blood alcohol test or urine drug screen for any prohibited medication. Exception:

• Patients with a positive cannabinoid on entry may be retested before randomization. If the patient remains positive, the patient is no longer eligible
• Patients positive for opiates on entry, discussion with Study Physician is required.
• Electroconvulsive therapy in the 3 months before Visit 1
• Previous lack of response to electroconvulsive therapy
• Treatment with a depot antipsychotic drug within 1 treatment cycle before Visit 1
• Treatment with clozapine in a dose of > 50 mg/day in the past 2 years
• Prior participation in any investigational study of RGH-188 or cariprazine within the past 12 months
• Previous treatment with vagus nerve stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation within 6 months before Visit 1
• Prior participation with any clinical trials, involving experimental or investigational drugs, within 6 months before Visit 1 or during the study
• Initiation or termination of psychotherapy for depression within the 3 months preceding Visit 1, or plans to initiate, terminate, or change such therapy during the course of the study.
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed during the study
• Gastric bypass or any condition that would be expected to affect drug absorption (lap band procedures are acceptable if there is no problem with absorption)
• Known history of cataracts or retinal detachment
• Known human immunodeficiency virus infection
• Employee, or immediate relative of an employee, of the Sponsor, any of its affiliates or partners, or the study center