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Experts hail new schizophrenia drug Cobenfy as a game-changer, the ‘first of its kind’

Cobenfy is the first schizophrenia drug in decades to treat the mental health condition in a new way, with potentially fewer side effects

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The new schizophrenia drug Cobenfy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and has experts excited over its potential. Photo: Bristol Myers Squibb

British scientists have hailed the US approval of a new drug for schizophrenia, saying it “has the potential to change the lives of millions of people”.

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The “major advance” in treatment offers a completely new drug approach to treating the condition, which can cause terrifying hallucinations, delusional thoughts and social withdrawal.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the new drug Cobenfy, which is owned by American pharmaceutical firm Bristol Myers Squibb.

The FDA’s approval was based on data from two studies showing patients experienced fewer schizophrenia symptoms.

Experts hope the new schizophrenia drug may help patients who do not respond well to existing treatments. Photo: Shutterstock
Experts hope the new schizophrenia drug may help patients who do not respond well to existing treatments. Photo: Shutterstock
The drug is the first approved antipsychotic to target receptors in the brain and body associated with the cholinergic neurotransmitter system, which has a key role in learning and memory, digestion, control of heartbeat, blood pressure, movement, and other functions.
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