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: Approximately 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?
LB-102 is a new medication we’re developing to help treat schizophrenia, a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves.
How Does LB-102 Work?
LB-102 works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine, which play a key role in the symptoms of schizophrenia. By targeting these chemicals more precisely, LB-102 can help manage symptoms more effectively.
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 is being designed to be more effective than most existing first-line treatments.
Better Tolerability
It aims to reduce common side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, and muscle stiffness. It aims to reduce side effects like weight gain, EPS and QT prolongation.
Lower Doses
Because LB-102 can work at lower doses, lowering peripheral exposure may reduce the risk of side effects compared to similar medications.
