Nearly 50% of schizophrenia patients fail to respond adequately to existing therapies (limited efficacy and poor tolerability). ~74% of patients discontinue and cycle through multiple therapies within 18 months of starting treatment. Psychiatrists agree that there is a need for additional treatments; preferably ones with greater efficacy and improved tolerability to reduce the drug cycling that characterizes the current standard-of-care.
Limitations of Current Treatments
Side Effects:
- Common Side Effects: Mild sedation, dry mouth, constipation, akathisia (inability to remain still), and sexual dysfunction.
- Severe Side Effects: Dystonia (involuntary muscular contraction), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial tics), and weight gain, which can lead to hyperlipidemia and cardiac arrhythmias.
Limited Efficacy:
- Most medications primarily address positive symptoms and are less effective for negative and cognitive symptoms.
- Approximately 50% of schizophrenia patients do not respond adequately to current antipsychotic medications.
Administration Challenges:
- Inconvenient Dosing: Many therapies require twice-a-day dosing or need to be taken with food.
- Poor Patient Adherence: ~74% of schizophrenia patients discontinue their medications within 18 months of starting treatment due to their perceived lack of efficacy or negative side effects.
About LB-102
A New Hope for Schizophrenia Patients
Besides their intended target (e.g., D2/3), antipsychotics can also block unintended receptors and cause side effects. Similar to Amisulpride, but in contrast to many commonly prescribed antipsychotics in the US, LB-102 has very low binding to 5-HT2C, Alpha-1, or H1 receptors. LB-102 has the potential to provide a powerful treatment option for the arsenal of U.S. psychiatrists to treat patients struggling with schizophrenia while avoiding anti-cholinergic side effects, weight gain, or sedation.
What is LB-102?
A next-generation benzamide antipsychotic designed to provide a better balance of efficacy and tolerability than current schizophrenia treatments. In clinical studies, LB-102 has demonstrated a clinically meaningful reduction in PANSS total score, indicating strong efficacy comparable to or exceeding leading atypical antipsychotics. Importantly, it does so while minimizing common antipsychotic side effects such as sedation, EPS, GI and cardiovascular effects.
How Does LB-102 Work?
Unlike many commonly prescribed antipsychotics in the U.S., LB-102 has low off target binding, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects such as anti-cholinergic burden and excessive sedation. Its improved blood-brain barrier permeability allows for lower dosing while maintaining strong clinical response, supporting potential for better patient adherence.
What Makes LB-102 Different?
Unlike some current medications that need to be taken multiple times a day, LB-102 is being developed for once-daily dosing. This makes it easier to stick to a treatment plan and helps ensure better overall management of schizophrenia.
Potential Improved Efficacy
LB-102 has demonstrated a clinically meaningful reduction in PANSS total score, with effect sizes comparable to or exceeding those of leading atypical antipsychotics. Additionally, its mechanism of action suggests potential benefits for negative symptoms.
Compelling Safety Profile
LB-102 demonstrated a compelling safety and tolerability profile, with the potential to be class leading among D2 antagonists. This profile balances treatment effectiveness with tolerability by minimizing side effects like sedation, EPS, GI and cardiovascular effects.
Simple Dosing Regimen
LB-102 is designed for once-daily, low dosing without food effect, simplifying treatment and supporting better adherence compared to therapies requiring multiple daily doses or complex administration.
