Brexpiprazole is a quinol derivative, its structure very much resembles that of aripiprazole . Compared to aripiprazole, brexpiprazole has an additional thiophene ring. This different structure contributes to dissimilar pharmacodynamic properties. As opposed to aripiprazole, brexpiprazole (1) has less intrinsic D2 activity which translates to lower risk of akathisia and EPS, (2) presents higher potency at 5HT1a which may result in better antidepressant, anxiolytic, and procognitive effectiveness, (3) shows higher potency at 5HT2a and therefore is less likely to cause akathisia and insomnia. According to the neuroscience-based Nomenclature 2 classification, it is a partial dopamine and serotonin agonist (D2, 5HT1a) as well as a serotonin antagonist (5HT2a).