According to the Zhidao Finance and Economics APP, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY.US) announced the latest topline results of the EMERGENT-4 and EMERGENT-5 open-label phase 3 clinical trials. Analysis shows that symptoms in adult patients with schizophrenia continue to improve after 52 weeks of treatment with Cobenfy (xanomeline and trospium chloride, also known as KarXT) capsules, indicating sustained efficacy. Notably, Cobenfy was selected by industry media Evaluate as one of the 10 potential blockbuster therapies expected to be approved in 2024 earlier this year.

Public information shows that Cobenfy consists of two active ingredients, xanomeline and trospium chloride, aimed at activating muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain while reducing the effects on peripheral muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. By stimulating muscarinic receptors M1 and M4, xanomeline can alleviate negative symptoms such as apathy, reduced social drive, increased cognition, and is helpful in improving other mental symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. The quaternary ammonium compound trospium chloride acts as a muscarinic receptor antagonist to inhibit the side effects of xanomeline in the peripheral nervous system.

It is reported that the U.S. FDA approved Cobenfy oral capsules for the treatment of adult patients with schizophrenia in September of this year. An FDA press release stated that this is the first antipsychotic drug targeting cholinergic receptors, as the standard therapy for schizophrenia has long targeted dopamine receptors. This treatment also signifies the first new mechanism drug for treating schizophrenia in decades.