A new medication for the treatment of schizophrenia has been approved for use in the United Stations. This is the first new type of medication which works in an entirely different way to current medications.
How does it work?
While current schizophrenia treatments primarily target the dopamine neurotransmitter system in the brain, Cobenfy goes after the cholinergic system (muscarinic system).
The drug was found to significantly reduce symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusions, hallucinations, social withdrawal, paranoia and a loss of motivation compared to a placebo. Dr Lynsey Bilsland, Head of Mental Health Translation, Wellcome, said:
“Cobenfy is the first new pharmacological approach for treating schizophrenia in over 50 years. It works in a completely different way from any other currently used schizophrenia drugs. It has the potential to change the lives of millions of people. (https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-news-that-the-fda-has-approved-the-drug-cobenfy-karxt-for-schizophrenia)
Whether the drug will also work for bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder it remains to be seen.
Vert exciting times ahead…
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