Revolutionary drug for schizophrenia wins US approval. First novel treatment in seven decades. Several other drugs in clinical trial

Good news! This seems to be a very promising new drug! Possibly a breakthrough!

"... The drug, known as KarXT, targets proteins in the brain known as muscarinic receptors, which relay neurotransmitter signals between neurons and other cells. Activating these receptors dampens the release of the chemical dopamine, a nervous-system messenger that is central to the hallmark symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.

But muscarinic signalling also modulates other brain circuits involved in cognition and emotional processing. This mode of action provides KarXT with a more comprehensive therapeutic effect than other schizophrenia treatments, which mainly blunt dopamine activity alone.

In clinical trials, KarXT not only alleviated core symptoms of schizophrenia, but also showed signs of improving cognitive function, all while avoiding many of the burdensome side effects commonly associated with older antipsychotics. ...

KarXT is just the first of many next-generation drug candidates designed to engage muscarinic receptors in the brain. Several follow-on schizophrenia therapies are already in or nearing clinical trials, showing promise for improved tolerability and more convenient dosing schedules."

Revolutionary drug for schizophrenia wins US approval "The medication is the first in decades to have a different mode of action than do current drugs, achieving better symptom relief with fewer side effects."

Credits: Human Progress weekly newsletter