Bitopertin is a glycine reuptake inhibitor postulated to improve N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor hypofunction by increasing synaptic glycine concentrations. This randomised, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled phase II/III trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of bitopertin monotherapy over 4 weeks in patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. Of 301 patients randomised, 299 received placebo (n=80), bitopertin 10mg (n=80) or 30mg (n=77), or olanzapine 15mg (n=62). The primary endpoint, change from baseline in mean Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, showed non-statistically significant improvements with bitopertin 30mg and olanzapine vs. placebo: bitopertin 10mg (-11.7; standard error [SE], 1.89; p=0.945), bitopertin 30mg (-15.3; SE, 1.87; p=0.211), olanzapine (-14.9; SE, 2.13; p=0.295) and placebo (-11.9; SE, 1.90). The PANSS positive subscale score, a secondary endpoint, also showed improvement with bitopertin 30mg (p=0.030) whereas a trend was observed with olanzapine (p=0.072) vs. placebo. Although not statistically significant, bitopertin 30mg and olanzapine reduced overall illness severity (Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale; p=0.098 and p=0.126, respectively). More patients receiving bitopertin 30mg (51.3%) or olanzapine (52.5%) than placebo (32.9%) were ready for hospital discharge at Week 4 (bitopertin, p=0.014; olanzapine, p=0.024). In summary, this study failed due to lack of statistical separation of either bitopertin or olanzapine (active control) from placebo on the primary endpoint. Of interest, improved positive symptoms and readiness for hospital discharge were associated with both bitopertin and olanzapine treatment. Bitopertin was safe and well tolerated in this study.
Keywords: Acute exacerbation; Bitopertin; Glycine reuptake inhibitor; Monotherapy; NMDA receptor; Schizophrenia.
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