Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

New Drug: ACP-103 reduced haloperidol-induced EPS

It was reported this past week by Acadia Pharmaceuticals that Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (ACAD) reported results from a phase II study that showed that their new drug prospect (that they are currently working on, named ACP-103) reduced haloperidol-induced akathisia, a debilitating extrapyramidal side effect (EPS), in patients with schizophrenia.

This test is still just an preliminary test - and longer term trials and comparisons will need to be done to determine if it should be made available to the public, and to determine its true, long-term effectiveness and side effect profile.

This study is one of two phase II clinical trials in Acadia's program using ACP-103 adjunctively with other antipsychotic drugs to provide an improved therapy for schizophrenia patients. The study involved 34 patients with schizophrenia and was designed to evaluate the ability of ACP-103 to treat akathisia, a side effect often induced by antipsychotic drugs.

In addition to this study, Acadia is currently conducting a phase II trial with up to 400 patients, which is designed to evaluate the ability of ACP-103 to improve both the efficacy and safety profile of current antipsychotic drugs.

"We are encouraged by the ability of ACP-103 to treat haloperidol-induced akathisia in patients with schizophrenia," said Uli Hacksell, PhD, Acadia's CEO. "This study is an important demonstration of our ACP-103 adjunctive therapy approach to improve the quality of care for patients suffering from schizophrenia."

Source: Acadia Pharmaceuticals press/marketing release

To learn more about new medications for schizophrenia that are currently in development see the following special report:
New Schizophrenia Medications in Development