Embracing New Therapies in Schizophrenia Management - Episode 4
In part 4 of 5, experts discuss medication adherence to schizophrenia treatments, particularly of xanomeline and trospium choloride capsules for schizophrenia.
In this segment of our latest HCPLive Special Report on the recent approval of xanomeline and tropism chloride capsules (Cobenfy) for schizophrenia, conversation shifts to the critical issue of medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia. Research has indicated that adherence rates for oral medications have dropped below 50%. Rishi Kakar, MD, lead investigator of the EMERGENT trials, opened the conversation by emphasizing the multifaceted reasons behind nonadherence, highlighting that medication frequency, tolerability, and caregiver perspectives play significant roles.
Andrew Cutler, MD, expanded on the topic, explaining that factors such as inadequate efficacy, intolerable adverse events, and anosognosia can contribute to low adherence rates in patients with mental illness.
The conversation also touched on the advantages of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, which are increasingly being adopted in clinical practice. Cutler and Kakar discuss the benefits of LAIs in terms of convenience and improved tolerability, especially for patients who struggle with daily medication reminders. They acknowledge the potential for new muscarinic agonists to be developed into LAIs, while also stressing the importance of maintaining oral medication options for patients who may not prefer injectables.
Relevant disclosures for Cutler include Karuna, Bristol Myers Squibb, and others. Relevant disclosures for Kakar include Karuna, Bristol Myers Squibb, and others. Relevant disclosures for Clark include Terran Biosciences.