Randomized, double-blind, placebo, and risperidone-controlled study of lurasidone in the treatment of schizophrenia: Results of an inconclusive 6-week trial.

Objective The efficacy and safety of lurasidone in schizophrenia has been demonstrated in multiple controlled trials, primarily in US and European populations. The aim of the current study was To evaluate lurasidone for the treatment of schizophrenia among patients in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Methods Hospitalized patients (N = 460) with schizophrenia were randomized to 6 weeks of fixed-dose lurasidone 40 mg/d, lurasidone 80 mg/d, risperidone 4 mg/d, or placebo. Efficacy was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S). Results No significant endpoint differences in PANSS total score were found for lurasidone or risperidone vs placebo. Lurasidone was safe and well tolerated, with minimal effects on weight and metabolic parameters. Discussion The current study was inconclusive regarding the efficacy of lurasidone in schizophrenia but further confirmed its safety and tolerability.