Roche Drug Shows Improvement in Schizophrenia Symptoms

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, achieved positive results from a Phase II study of RG16781, an investigational glycine reuptake inhibitor (GRI) for the treatment of schizophrenia. The data showed a clinically meaningful reduction in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as beneficial changes in personal and social functioning. The study measured improvements in patients with predominantly negative symptoms of schizophrenia who received RG1678 in combination with second-generation antipsychotics.

The negative symptoms associated with Schizophrenia include lack of motivation and interest in social activities, social isolation, and difficulty experiencing pleasure in everyday life. Current schizophrenia treatments primarily address the positive symptoms of the disease, which include hallucinations and delusions, often leaving patients with continuing, uncontrolled negative symptoms.

RG1678 normalizes glutamate neurotransmission by increasing synaptic levels of glycine, targeting an important pathway in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. By normalizing glutamate neurotransmission in the brain, RG1678’s unique mode of action could potentially have therapeutic applications in other psychiatric disorders beyond schizophrenia.

“This new compound could be the first treatment to address the negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia, potentially enabling patients to carry out everyday tasks more effectively,” said Hal Barron, M.D., head of product development and chief medical officer. “The ultimate goal in treating patients with schizophrenia is getting them back as close as possible to a normal life. Discussions with health authorities have taken place and a Phase III program is underway to confirm efficacy of RG1678.”