NEW DRUGS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST SCHIZOPHRENIA: A BREAKTHROUGH IN PHARMACOTHERAPY

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting approximately 1% of the general population. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, with both genetic predispositions and environmental factors contributing to disease onset. Numerous theoretical models have been proposed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia, most of which are based on the pharmacological action of antipsychotic drugs and their observed clinical efficacy in symptom reduction. The predominant hypotheses implicate dysregulation of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission. The majority of currently available antipsychotic agents exert their therapeutic effects primarily by modulating the dopaminergic system. This narrow pharmacological focus substantially limits treatment options, particularly in cases of drug resistance or intolerance. Moreover, selective receptor targeting increases the likelihood of adverse effects, which frequently lead to nonadherence. Poor adherence, in turn, is associated with significant clinical deterioration and poses a major obstacle to functional recovery. The development of novel antipsychotic agents with alternative mechanisms of action—combining therapeutic efficacy with an improved side-effect profile—represents a promising direction in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. In recent years, new compounds such as Caplyta, Lybalvi, and Cobenfy have received regulatory approval, offering expanded treatment possibilities and the potential to address current limitations in clinical practice.