Gedeon Richter analyzes cannabis use in schizophrenia treatment

During the 37th Annual Meeting of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), held from September 21-24, 2024, Gedeon Richter Plc. presented significant new analyses of cariprazine studies. These presentations highlighted cariprazine's potential as an effective treatment for patients suffering from schizophrenia and comorbid cannabis use disorder, among other psychiatric conditions.

Cannabis use disorder often co-occurs with schizophrenia, posing a unique treatment challenge as many antipsychotic medications do not effectively address both conditions. One of the five scientific posters presented by Gedeon Richter indicated that cariprazine might offer a promising treatment for patients experiencing their first episode of schizophrenia alongside cannabis use disorder. The results were derived from a six-month observational study, showcasing cariprazine's efficacy in addressing the dual diagnoses.

In addition to this study, four other scientific posters were presented at the conference. These posters explored various roles of cariprazine in treating schizophrenia. Topics included the medication's efficacy in patients who develop akathisia, a common side effect, and the impact of patient functionality on the risk of relapse when treated with cariprazine versus a placebo. Cariprazine, a third-generation antipsychotic, is noted for its unique receptor profile and demonstrated efficacy in treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Moreover, the conference also featured an industry-sponsored session where a novel transdiagnostic scale was introduced. This scale, developed by the medical team at Gedeon Richter in collaboration with renowned psychiatric professors, aims to quantify and visualize the severity of symptoms across different psychiatric conditions. The new tool, called the Transdiagnostic Global Impression – Psychopathology (TGI-P) scale, addresses the lack of biomarkers in psychiatry. It provides a reliable and valid method for assessing psychopathology that is both user-friendly and capable of bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.

The TGI-P scale is poised to assist central nervous system (CNS) professionals and psychologists in quickly evaluating and visualizing symptoms in various psychiatric disorders. The introduction of this tool is expected to enhance the assessment capabilities within clinical settings, offering a more comprehensive understanding of patient conditions and facilitating better treatment strategies. Details about the application and effectiveness of the TGI-P scale were extensively discussed during the session, illustrating its potential impact on psychiatric practice.

In summary, the presentations by Gedeon Richter Plc. at the 37th ECNP conference underscored the promising role of cariprazine in treating complex psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia with comorbid cannabis use disorder. Additionally, the introduction of the TGI-P scale marks a significant advancement in the assessment and treatment of psychiatric symptoms, offering a new tool for mental health professionals to better understand and manage various psychiatric disorders.