Eduard Vieta
Director of the Institute of Neurosciences at Hospital Clínic, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Barcelona and researcher at IDIBAPS and CIBERSAM
This drug represents a significant advance in the treatment of schizophrenia, as it is the first medication that does not act directly on dopamine receptors, but rather on muscarinic receptors. In this regard, although acetylcholine and dopamine are interconnected, it constitutes a very relevant innovation because it represents a mechanism of action different from existing drugs and with a different adverse effect profile. It could be a good alternative for patients who do not tolerate the drugs currently used.
Furthermore, the size of the effect in the acute phase and the results of the extension study are also positive regarding long-term safety and effectiveness. After its approval, clinical experience will determine to what extent it represents a true advance in clinical practice for this disease, which is in great need of new approaches.