Effects of zuranolone on next-day simulated driving in healthy adults

Zuranolone is an oral positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors. Due to its central nervous system (CNS) activity, zuranolone may impact activities requiring complex cognition, including driving.

Evaluate the effect of zuranolone on simulated driving performance.

In this randomized, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled, four-period crossover study, treatments included once-nightly zuranolone 50 mg on days 1–7, zuranolone 50 mg on days 1–6 and zuranolone 100 mg on day 7, zopiclone 7.5 mg on days 1 and 7, and placebo on days 1–7. Driving was assessed using a validated simulator. Primary endpoint was standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), evaluated 9 h post-dose on days 2 and 8. Secondary endpoints included additional driving assessments, cognitive tests, pharmacokinetics, and safety.

Healthy adults (N = 67) enrolled and received ≥ 1 dose. Zuranolone 50 mg increased SDLP versus placebo on days 2 (least squares mean difference [LSMD]: 7.4 cm; p < 0.0001) and 8 (LSMD: 4.6 cm; p = 0.0106). Zuranolone 100 mg evoked a larger increase in SDLP versus placebo on day 8 (LSMD 18.9 cm; p < 0.0001). Reduced performance in other driving assessments and cognition were observed with zuranolone 50 mg on day 2; many resolved by day 8. Despite the SDLP observations, most participants judged themselves capable of driving. Frequent adverse events (≥ 20%) were CNS-related; most were mild/moderate.

Zuranolone impaired simulated driving and reduced cognitive function versus placebo 9 h after administration. Although many impairments resolved after 7 days of dosing, driving remained impaired. These results may inform prescriber decision-making.