A drug candidate being developed by Israeli drug company BioLineRx as a treatment for schizophrenia has produced data in preclinical studies suggesting that the drug retains the efficacy of currently available antipsychotic drugs while achieving a much higher safety profile.
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In April, BioLineRx began phase I clinical trials to evaluate the safety and determine the pharmacokinetic profile of the compound, BL-1020, in humans.
“We continue to be very encouraged by the safety and efficacy results for BL-1020 in preclinical studies and are eager to see the data from our currently ongoing phase I clinical trial, expected in the third quarter of this year,” commented Dr Morris Laster, CEO of BioLineRx.
Schizophrenia is a major debilitating illness that affects approximately eight million people worldwide. Currently, both extrapyramidal and metabolic side effects, which significantly limit patient compliance, are a major obstacle in the treatment of the disorder.