Cobenfy

Cobenfy

Context

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new antipsychotic drug, to treat schizophrenia named Cobenfy.

Relevance:

GS-03 (Science and technology)

What is Schizophrenia?

  • It is a serious psychiatric disorder that affects a persons capability to think , feel and behave.
  • It typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood between the ages of 16 and 30,

and currently affects about one in every hundred people.

  • Usually men are more likely to develop this disorder than women, and they tend to experience symptoms.
  • Schizophrenia is often associated with social isolation, stigma, and a significantly shorter life expectancy due to related health issues like weight gain, smoking, and substance abuse.
  • Clinical symptoms fall into three categories:
    • Positive symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions).
    • Negative symptoms (such as lack of motivation or reduced emotional expression).
    • Cognitive impairments that affect memory and attention.

What is Cobenfy?

  • Cobenfy is the first antipsychotic drug to treat schizophrenia.
  • Unlike traditional medications, it works by targeting cholinergic receptors rather than dopamine receptors, which has been the standard approach for decades.
  • The drug is a combination of xanomeline and trospium chloride with very few common side effects.
    • Xanomeline – acts on muscarinic receptors
    • Trospium chloride – helps reduce the adverse effects of xanomeline.
  • Common side effects: Nausea, Indigestion, Hypertension, and Dizziness.

 

Significance of Cobenfy’s Approval

  • Until the invention of Cobenfy, Schizophrenia was treated with drugs that block dopamine receptors, which often came with side effects like weight gain, sedation, and movement disorders.
  • Since this new drug targets cholinergic receptors it opens up a new pathway for treating the condition.
  • For the estimated 1% of people worldwide who will develop schizophrenia in their lifetime, this drug could mean fewer side effects and better control over their symptoms.