Abstract
Lurasidone is a new second-generation antipsychotic from the class of serotonin and dopamine antagonists, recently approved in the US for schizophrenia treatment. Lurasidone (CM-13496) is a benzizothiazole with high affinity to dopamine D2 a serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, as well as 5-HT1A, 5-HT7, and norepinephrine alpha2C terminals.
Maximum plasma levels are reached 1-3 hrs after administration; absorption is facilitated with meal. Elimination half-life is 18 hrs, stable concentrations are attained after 7 days.
Lurasidone is metabolized via CYP4503A4. Clinical efficacy and safety of lurasidone was evaluated in 11 double-blind trials with total of 4275 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Most of the studies were short-term (3-6 weeks; one 12-months), placebocontrolled, in two trials with an active comparator (haloperidol, ziprasidone). The results showed fast onset of action.