Short-term efficacy and tolerability of lurasidone in the treatment of acute schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Wei Zheng, Dong Bin Cai, Xin Hu Yang, Lu Li, Qing E. Zhang, Chee H. Ng, Gabor S. Ungvari, Xian Bin Li, Yu Ping Ning, Yu Tao Xiang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Lurasidone, an azapirone derivative, is a novel second generation antipsychotic with potent binding affinity for dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT7, 5-HT1A, and noradrenaline alpha2C receptors. This updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined the short-term efficacy and tolerability of lurasidone in the treatment of acute schizophrenia. Methods: Double-blinded RCTs reporting on the short-term effects of lurasidone were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI), and number needed to harm (NNH) were computed. Results: The meta-analysis had 8 RCTs with 16 active arms that included 2373 patients with acute schizophrenia who were randomized to either lurasidone (20–160 mg/day; n = 1570) or placebo (n = 803) groups. Lurasidone was superior to placebo with regard to change in total psychopathology [SMD: -0.34, (95%CI: -0.48, -0.20), P<0.00001], positive symptoms [SMD: -0.47, (95%CI: -0.57, -0.36), P<0.00001], negative symptoms [SMD:-0.34, (95%CI: -0.45, -0.22), P<0.00001], and general psychopathology [SMD: -0.36, (95%CI: -0.48, -0.24), P<0.00001]. Results were consistent for total psychopathology in 11 out of the 13 subgroups. Lurasidone resulted in higher weight gain [SMD: 0.15, (95% CI: 0.06, 0.24), P = 0.001] and BMI [SMD: 0.17, (95%CI: 0.07, 0.28), P = 0.002] than placebo, but the differences were not clinically significant. Lurasidone group had less frequent inefficacy (NNH = 14) and discontinuation due to any reason (NNH = 17), but was associated with more frequent vomiting, akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism, somnolence, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and weight gain of ≥7% of the initial weight (NNH = 11–50). Conclusion: This meta-analysis of 8 short-term studies supported the efficacy and safety of lurasidone in the acute phase of schizophrenia, particularly at the higher dose range of 80 mg/day.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)244-251
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research
Volume103
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2018

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