Challenges, unmet needs and future directions – a critical evaluation of the clinical trial landscape in schizophrenia research

Wagner, Elias; Luykx, Jurjen J.; Strube, Wolfgang; Hasan, Alkomiet

doi:10.1080/17512433.2023.2293996

Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology

2023

DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2293996

|View full text |Cite

Challenges, unmet needs and future directions – a critical evaluation of the clinical trial landscape in schizophrenia research

Elias Wagner,

Jurjen J. Luykx,

Wolfgang Strube

et al.

Help me understand this report

Search citation statements

Order By: Relevance

Paper Sections

Select...

Citation Types

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Year Published

2024

Publication Types

Select...

Article2

Relationship

Self Cite0

Independent2

Authors

Journals

Cited by 2 publications

References 76 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

What Remains to Be Discovered in Schizophrenia Therapeutics: Contributions by Advancing the Molecular Mechanisms of Drugs for Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Correll,

Tusconi,

Carta

et al. 2024

Biomolecules

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Schizophrenia is a frequently debilitating and complex mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population, characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts and behaviors, cognitive dysfunction, and negative symptoms. Traditional treatment has centered on postsynaptic dopamine antagonists, commonly known as antipsychotic drugs, which aim to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning and the quality of life. Despite the availability of these medications, significant challenges remain in schizophrenia therapeutics, including incomplete symptom relief, treatment resistance, and medication side effects. This opinion article explores advancements in schizophrenia treatment, emphasizing molecular mechanisms, novel drug targets, and innovative delivery methods. One promising approach is novel strategies that target neural networks and circuits rather than single neurotransmitters, acknowledging the complexity of brain region interconnections involved in schizophrenia. Another promising approach is the development of biased agonists, which selectively activate specific signaling pathways downstream of receptors, offering potential for more precise pharmacological interventions with fewer side effects. The concept of molecular polypharmacy, where a single drug targets multiple molecular pathways, is exemplified by KarXT, a novel drug combining xanomeline and trospium to address both psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. This approach represents a comprehensive strategy for schizophrenia treatment, potentially improving outcomes for patients. In conclusion, advancing the molecular understanding of schizophrenia and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies hold promise for addressing the unmet needs in schizophrenia treatment, aiming for more effective and tailored interventions. Future research should focus on these novel approaches to achieve better clinical outcomes and improve the functional level and quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

show abstract

What Remains to Be Discovered in Schizophrenia Therapeutics: Contributions by Advancing the Molecular Mechanisms of Drugs for Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Correll,

Tusconi,

Carta

et al. 2024

Biomolecules

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Some Hydrophytes: Antioxidant, Antiparasitic, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Properties and Mechanisms

Alharthi,

Althagafi,

Jafri

et al. 2024

Plants

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Few researches have explored the production of pharmaceuticals from aquatic plants. Therefore, this study explored, for the first time, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of ten aquatic plants. Aquatic plant shoots from various Nile River canals were collected, dried, and ground for aqueous extract preparation. Phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity were assessed using DPPH assays. Extracts were tested for antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities through standard in vitro assays, measuring IC50 values, and evaluating mechanisms of action, including cell viability and high-content screening assays. The results showed that the aquatic plants were rich in pharmaceutical compounds. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts exceeded that of vitamin C. The extracts showed promising antiparasitic activity against pathogens like Opisthorchis viverrini and Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values between 0.7 and 2.5 µg/mL. They also demonstrated low MICs against various pathogenic bacteria, causing DNA damage, increased plasma membrane permeability, and 90% biofilm inhibition. In terms of anticancer activity, extracts were effective against a panel of cancer cell lines, with Ludwigia stolonifera exhibiting the highest efficacy. Its IC50 ranged from 0.5 µg/mL for pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancer cells to 1.5 µg/mL for gastric cancer cells. Overall, IC50 values for all extracts were below 6 µg/mL, showing significant apoptotic activity, increased nuclear intensity, plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and cytochrome c release, and outperforming doxorubicin. This study highlights the potential of aquatic plants as sources for new, safe, and effective drugs with strong antiparasitic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

hi@scite.ai

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

Challenges, unmet needs and future directions – a critical evaluation of the clinical trial landscape in schizophrenia research

Cited by 2 publications

References 76 publications

What Remains to Be Discovered in Schizophrenia Therapeutics: Contributions by Advancing the Molecular Mechanisms of Drugs for Psychosis and Schizophrenia

What Remains to Be Discovered in Schizophrenia Therapeutics: Contributions by Advancing the Molecular Mechanisms of Drugs for Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Some Hydrophytes: Antioxidant, Antiparasitic, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Properties and Mechanisms

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About