What's Happening?
Newron Pharmaceuticals has published findings in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, showcasing the benefits of evenamide, a novel glutamate modulator, as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia, particularly for those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). The publication, co-authored by Newron's Chief Medical Officer Ravi Anand, MD, details how evenamide, when added to existing antipsychotic treatments, can provide clinically meaningful and sustained benefits. The drug targets the hippocampus, a brain region involved in schizophrenia, and modulates glutamatergic signaling, which is not addressed by current antipsychotics. Clinical trials have shown that evenamide can improve both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, enhance
social functioning, and increase life engagement. The drug has maintained a favorable safety profile across studies.
Why It's Important?
The development of evenamide is significant as it addresses a critical gap in the treatment of schizophrenia, particularly for patients who do not respond to existing antipsychotic medications. Treatment-resistant schizophrenia affects a substantial portion of the schizophrenia population, with current treatments often failing to provide adequate symptom relief. Evenamide's unique mechanism of action offers a new therapeutic approach by targeting glutamatergic dysfunction, potentially improving outcomes for patients who have exhausted other options. This advancement could redefine treatment expectations and improve the quality of life for individuals with TRS, offering hope to patients, families, and healthcare providers.
What's Next?
Newron is advancing evenamide through the ENIGMA-TRS Phase III clinical program, which includes two pivotal studies, ENIGMA-TRS 1 and ENIGMA-TRS 2. These studies aim to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of evenamide as an add-on therapy for TRS. If successful, these trials could lead to evenamide becoming the first-in-class adjunctive therapy for TRS, potentially transforming the treatment landscape. The outcomes of these studies will be closely watched by the medical community, as they could influence future treatment guidelines and strategies for managing schizophrenia.
