Serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder carry heavy healthcare and economic burdens.
Schizophrenia Prevalence
Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic disorder that affects up to 2 million people in the U.S.
Individuals with Schizophrenia Have a High Burden of Illness
Over half of patients with schizophrenia experience overlapping behavioral and/or mental health disorders.
Current Treatment Options
For over 60 years, the basis of pharmacologic therapy for serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, has not changed.
Typical (first-generation) antipsychotics:
- Prominent antagonism at D2 receptors
- Risk of adverse effects such as hyperprolactinemia and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including tardive dyskinesia, acute dystonias, parkinsonism, and akathisia
Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics:
- Antagonism or partial agonism at D2 receptors
- Antagonism at 5HT2A receptors
- Lower overall risk for hyperprolactinemia and EPS
- Off-target effects at adrenergic, cholinergic, and histaminergic receptors
- Differentially increased risk for cardiometabolic symptoms, including weight gain and diabetes