A schizophrenia drug under development by Marlborough pharmaceutical firm Sunovion has been shown in a study to provide meaningful improvements to patients, the company said Thursday.
The results, announced at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology’s annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., advances Sunovion’s study of the drug to a third phase with adult and adolescent patients with schizophrenia.
The six-month study of 157 people was found to be generally safe and well tolerated by patients, the company said. No meaningful changes were observed on metabolic measurements, including weight, lipids or glucose.
The drug, named SEP-363856, is being developed with New Jersey-based PsychoGenics. In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted the drug a breakthrough therapy designation, allowing for an expedited development and review process for drugs aimed at treating serious or life-threatening conditions.
Â
