Emerging drugs for schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION

Since the development of clozapine, scores of antipsychotics have been introduced. These are, with one exception (aripiprazole), based on the pharmacological principle of 5-HT(2)/dopamine antagonism. Research on other treatment targets, which, in part, influence dopaminergic pathways directly or indirectly, is mounting. Managing psychotic symptoms is only one facet of successful treatment of schizophrenia. Effective remedies against negative symptoms and cognitive deficits are still an unmet clinical need.

AREAS COVERED: With the focus on the topics mentioned above, the authors briefly review the latest clinical research organized on the basis of receptor systems and other drug targets, which are discussed to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

EXPERT OPINION: In conclusion, although clinicians will have to have considerable patience before truly novel anti-schizophrenia treatments become obtainable, a number of interesting leads with considerable theoretical potential are being explored. As yet, it is difficult to predict which of these mechanisms will effectively augment the currently available treatments.