An important development
Commenting on the findings, Ira D. Glick, MD, professor emeritus, Stanford (Calif.) University, said: “The major problem with schizophrenia is getting adherence.”
“The better the adherence, the better the outcome, the worst the adherence, the worse the outcome, so being able to take a preparation less often is a very important advance in the field,” said Dr. Glick, who was not involved in the research
Long-acting preparations for chronic mental illness represent a significant advance, he said.
“The future of the treatment of schizophrenia is long-acting injectables. That is the trend,” Dr. Glick explained. “The oral once-a-week preparation may be useful in a group of patients who are phobic about needles, but with the injections, you can be sure that the patient has received their medication. With the oral, there is more of a chance to be noncompliant.
“That said, having an effective, longer-acting oral for those who refuse injections is helpful. to ensure adherence to treatment. We know treatment works, we know it is going to save lives, and that’s what this ultra–long-acting formulation is promoting.”
Dr. Glick has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.