This episode of Psychopharm Today features a discussion on the evolution of schizophrenia treatment, specifically focusing on the recent FDA approval of Cobenfy. Experts Dr. Steven Paul and Dr. Christoph Correll explain how this new medication represents a shift away from traditional dopamine-blocking drugs toward muscarinic receptor agonists. The speakers highlight the drug's unique history, from its origins in Alzheimer's research to its ability to modulate presynaptic dopamine without typical side effects like weight gain or movement disorders. They also address the challenges of gastrointestinal side effects and the potential for these agents to improve cognitive and negative symptoms. Ultimately, research suggests that targeting cholinergic systems marks the beginning of a transformative new era in psychiatric pharmacotherapy.

Psychopharm Today is brought to you by the ASCP Technology Committee

Produced by Zhi-De Deng, Ph.D., National Institute of Mental Health, NIH Introduction by Jessica Gannon, M.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Hosted by Daniel Umbricht, M.D., Xperimed GmbH

Other Committee Members:

• Vishesh Agarwal, M.D., ChristianaCare
• Ahmed Ahmed, M.D., Baylor College of Medicine
• Andrea Boscutti, M.D., The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
• Lawrence Cohen, B.A., Pharm.D., UNT System College of Pharmacy/ Regulatory Insurance Advisors
• Crystal Cooper, Ph.D., The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry
• Nicholas Fabiano, M.D., The Ottawa Hospital
• Michael Henry, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital
• Jenessa Johnston, Ph.D., National Institute of Mental Health, NIH
• Bashkim Kadriu, M.D., FAPA, Bristol Meyers Squibb (BMS)
• Rida Khan, M.D., Westchester Medical Center
• Gonzalo Laje, M.D., WBMA, LLC
• Jonathan Leung, Pharm.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• Matthew Macaluso, D.O., The University of Alabama At Birmingham
• Nivedita Nadkarni, M.D., Essentia health
• Andrew Olagunju, M.D.,M.Sc.,Ph.D., McMaster University
• Thulasi R Reddy, M.D., Creedmoor Psychiatric Center