How the pharmacokinetics and receptor-binding profile of lurasidone affect the clinical utility and safety of the drug in the treatment of schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction: This paper reviews the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of lurasidone from the perspective of clinical pharmacology and helps the clinician compare this drug with others from the same therapeutic class to aid in drug selection and use in specific situations.

Areas covered: We reviewed the literature using the keywords ‘lurasidone,’ ‘schizophrenia’ and ‘clinical trials.’ In our review, particular attention was paid to those articles that reviewed the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and its efficacy and safety/tolerability based on data from registration trials.

Expert opinion: Lurasidone may be more effective and/or better tolerated than other antipsychotics by some patients although there is currently no way to identify which patients will best respond to which antipsychotic medication. Data from clinical trials of lurasidone in schizophrenia suggest a lower likelihood of weight gain and metabolic problems in patients being treated with lurasidone versus olanzapine and quetiapine.

Keywords:

• atypical antipsychotic
• lurasidone
• receptor binding affinity
• schizophrenia

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Kaitlyn Hollaway for editorial support.

Declaration of interest

M Macaluso has conducted clinical trials as principal investigator for AbbVie, Alkermes, AssureRx, Eisai, Forum, Janssen and Naruex. SH Preskorn has received grants through Kansas University from Eisai, EnViVo, Naurex, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Stanley Medical Research Institute. SH Preskorn is on the advisory board or is a consultant for AssureX, Forum, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Naurex and Trius and has also been an author on studies funded by EnViVo, GlaxoSmithKline, Naurex, Pfizer and Sunovion. All clinical trial and study contracts were with and payments made to the Kansas University Medical Center Research Institute, a research institute affiliated with Kansas University School of Medicine-Wichita (KUSM-W). H Kazanchi has no interests to declare. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

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