The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cobenfy, the first new drug for schizophrenia in over 30 years, developed by Bristol Myers Squibb.
Taken as a twice-daily pill, the treatment combines xanomeline and trospium chloride to manage common symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Unlike traditional antipsychotics, which target dopamine, Cobenfy focuses on acetylcholine, a brain chemical linked to memory and learning, offering a fresh approach to treatment.
Clinical trials suggest it may reduce the side effects typically associated with antipsychotic medications, like weight gain and movement disorders.
In trials, only 6% of patients stopped using Cobenfy due to side effects, a significant improvement compared to older antipsychotics.