Roche Holding, AG, a major pharmaceutical company, has released results of an eight-week phase II clinical trial for a schizophrenia drug it has tentatively named RG1678. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal online, volunteers who took the drug plus a second-generation FDA-approved antipsychotic experienced a significant reduction in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms include lack of interest, lack of motivation and social isolation to the point that work is not possible. no currently approved drugs treat the negative behavioral symptoms of schizophrenia.

The researcher administered several different drug dosages during the trial and found that the 10 mg and 30 mg doses were more effective than the 60 mg doses. According to the article, the drug has a good safety profile and is generally well-tolerated.

A stage III clinical trial is currently underway. if RG1678 performs well in this trial, which involves a larger number of volunteers being tested for a longer period of time, it could be approved and available for use in 2013 or 2014. Meanwhile, schizophrenia drugs that treat the positive symptoms are available, lessening the effects of delusions and hallucinations in symptomatic patients. Monitor this website and other news outlets for future results regarding RG1678.

Read more: online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20101206-703306.html