New drug for schizophrenia is approved in the USA – 10/01/2024 – Equilíbrio e Saúde

Experts from around the world expressed excitement on Friday (27) after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new treatment for schizophrenia, the first in decades.

Called Cobenfy and developed by American pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb, the medicine works differently from those currently available.

It mobilizes, for example, cholinergic receptors, and not dopamine receptors, like those marketed until now.

“This drug takes a new approach to treating schizophrenia in decades,” FDA official Tiffany Farchione said in a statement.

“This approval offers a new alternative to antipsychotic medications that were previously prescribed to people with schizophrenia,” he said.

Schizophrenia affects only about 1% of Americans, but its effects can be devastating by causing hallucinations, feelings of persecution and difficulty controlling thoughts.

Lynsey Bilsland, director of the mental health division at the charitable foundation Wellcome, said Cobenfy could be a “game changer”, especially for those for whom other medications are ineffective.

“It works in a completely different way than any other medicine against schizophrenia used today. It has the potential to change the lives of millions of people”, he pointed out.

Cobenfy, whose scientific name is xanomeline and trospium chloride, is administered orally.

Two clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness and demonstrated that it can significantly reduce symptoms in patients.

Its side effects are nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, urinary retention and liver problems.

But compared to current drugs, these side effects are reduced, said Matt Jones, professor of neuroscience at the English university of Bristol.

“Obviously it’s great news for people who suffer from schizophrenia,” he said, although he noted that the drug has not received approval in the UK.

Sameer Jauhar, senior clinical professor of affective disorders and psychosis at King’s College London, said the side effects of current medications, including weight gain and slowed movement, may deter some people from following through with treatment.

He also said he wants to see the conclusions of long-term trials, but added that the positive results achieved so far amount to “possibly one of the most interesting developments today.” “I’m very excited about all of this,” he added.