Schizophrenia drug KarXT receives FDA approval

People with schizophrenia will have a new treatment option for the first time in more than three decades after the Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug on Thursday.

Studies showed that Bristol Myers Squibb's drug KarXT improved symptoms of schizophrenia and resulted in fewer side effects than existing antipsychotic treatments. Researchers are optimistic that patients could potentially continue taking this drug for longer than existing medications, which patients often discontinue due to side effects.

KarXT is a twice-daily oral medication for adults that combines two medications: xanomeline, which targets muscarinic receptors in the brain, and trospium, which relieves digestive and other symptoms resulting from this type of medication. The promising drug combination was discovered and tested by Karuna Therapeutics, which acquired Bristol Myers Squibb in March.