New Schizophrenia Drug Under Test: Results Promising
Pharmaceutical International has learned of a newly-developed drug for patients with schizophrenia, which, currently under trial, has so far offered some very encouraging results. The drug stands alone from all previous (antipsychotic) treatments in its class by engaging with the brain’s glutamate receptors, as opposed to the usual dopamine. In its current experimental form, and entitled ‘LY2140023’, the drug has been observed to generate improved state of minds in those on whom it been tested to date. Simultaneously, and staying with the positive – little in the way of side effects have accompanied these improvements.
The research involving ‘LY...’ was covered in a recent edition of the publication Nature Medicine, and those behind it hope that further trials, prompted by this one’s success, should now follow suite.
Approximately one per cent of the UK’s population are affected by schizophrenia – ranking it alongside the likes of diabetes in prevalence. An often-used term when describing the characteristics of the condition is that of ‘episodes’. During these episodes, in very general terms – schizophrenia patients’ perception of reality is different to the norm. Hallucinations are common, sometimes accompanied by the sensation of somebody talking – personally, to you, but which is entirely self-contained. Other frequent episodes might involve the feeling of being threatened, chased or watched.
A wide range of antipsychotic drugs are on the market, which can minimise the volume by which schizophrenia patients experience the above. However, side effects often accompany this; for example - a marked tremor, in the style of Parkinson’s disease. In some patients, these can be severe enough to encourage withdrawal from the treatment prescribed, but then, obviously – placing themselves at increased exposure to the schizophrenia.
So, news of a refined treatment, in which the side effects are more manageable, is likely to receive a welcome reception within the schizophrenic community.
LY2140023 was tested over a period of a month. Of the 118 patients participating, those who took it were observed to fare as well as the contingent which was instead prescribed olanzapine.
Reacting to the published results, one commentator, Rethink’s Paul Corry, stated: "We are pleased that there are promising results from this research that may lead to the development of a third generation of drug treatments for schizophrenia. We want to see much higher levels of investment from the pharmaceutical industry in research in drug treatments for schizophrenia that reduce side effects whilst still being effective at combating the symptoms."
Source – Pharmaceutical International’s Research and Development Analyst
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