Bristol Myers Squibb to Present at 2024 ASCP Annual Meeting

Bristol Myers Squibb has unveiled promising data at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) Annual Meeting in Miami, highlighting KarXT as a potential new treatment for schizophrenia. The novel antipsychotic, KarXT, which combines xanomeline and trospium, has shown efficacy in reducing symptoms of schizophrenia with a low risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). This is noteworthy as EPS, which are drug-induced movement disorders, often pose significant challenges in the treatment of schizophrenia.

In two Phase 3 studies, EMERGENT-4 and EMERGENT-5, involving adult outpatients over a 52-week period, KarXT was associated with an EPS incidence rate of just 1%, with akathisia being the most frequently reported at 0.6%. Importantly, KarXT did not lead to significant changes in movement disorder scale scores, reinforcing its safety profile.

Qualitative interviews conducted during the EMERGENT-5 trial provided additional insights, revealing that most participants perceived improvements in their positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms since starting KarXT. This feedback underscores the potential impact of KarXT on the overall well-being of individuals with schizophrenia.

Alyssa Johnsen, MD, PhD, senior vice president at Bristol Myers Squibb, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that KarXT's unique mechanism could offer a new approach to schizophrenia treatment. The drug operates as a dual M1/M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist in the central nervous system, a departure from traditional treatments that primarily target dopamine receptors.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects nearly 24 million people globally. It is characterized by a complex array of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, social withdrawal, and cognitive difficulties. Current treatments often fall short, with around 30% of patients not responding to existing therapies and another 50% experiencing only partial improvement or significant side effects. This unmet need underscores the importance of developing new and effective treatment options.

Besides the efficacy and safety data, the ASCP meeting also featured various presentations on KarXT. One notable discussion focused on the drug's risk profile compared to traditional D2-dopamine-based antipsychotics, further establishing its differentiated approach.

Bristol Myers Squibb's dedication to advancing treatments for neurological disorders is evident through their robust research pipeline. They aim to develop therapies that not only address the symptoms but also modify the course of neurological diseases, thereby improving patients' quality of life. This commitment is driven by extensive research into genetics, biomarkers, and predictive sciences to enhance patient outcomes.

The company's mission is to innovate and deliver medicines that make a significant difference in the lives of patients dealing with serious diseases. The promising data on KarXT brings hope to those affected by schizophrenia, as it could offer a much-needed alternative to current therapies.

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