Many current schizophrenia drugs induce weight gain but safety analysis of bifeprunox suggests it is associated with a favorable weight and lipid profile. In addition the analysis showed increases in weight occurred in patients receiving active references versus placebo. Bifeprunox was discovered by Solvay Pharmaceuticals and is being developed by Wyeth, Solvay and Lundbeck.
“Data from phase II and phase III trials suggest that, if approved, bifeprunox may be an important treatment option for stable patients with schizophrenia – particularly because of our concerns about the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this patient population,” said Herbert Meltzer, director of the Division of Psychopharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
In October 2006, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Solvay Pharmaceuticals reported that a new drug application was submitted to the FDA for bifeprunox.
Under a new agreement announced in January 2007, Wyeth and Solvay will collaborate in a joint discovery effort targeting the identification of small molecules as potential antipsychotic medications.