Early Clinical Effects of Novel Partial D3/D2 Agonist Cariprazine in Schizophrenia Patients With Predominantly Negative Symptoms (Open-Label, Non-controlled Study)

Because of limited efficacy of antipsychotics against negative symptoms in schizophrenia new drugs with wider spectrums of clinical efficacy are very desirable. The newer 3rd generation antipsychotic cariprazine presents the unique mode of action acting as partial agonist predominantly for dopamine D3- and in lesser extent D2-receptors. Cariprazine is found to be effective in the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia comparing to second generation antipsychotic risperidone. To evaluate initial effects of cariprazine in schizophrenia patients with predominantly negative symptoms. Open-label, non-controlled study included 60 adult schizophrenia patients (F20 on ICD-10, 49% males) with predominantly negative symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, S factor score for negative and positive symptoms, PANSS-FSNS ≥ 15 and PANSS-FSPS