Bifeprunox - A partial dopamine-receptor agonist for the treatment of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects an estimated 1% of the population. This disorder may be treated with typical (first-generation) or atypical (second-generation) agents; a recognized concern regarding these agents is that long-term use has been associated with increased risks of serious side effects, either neurologic or metabolic in nature. Bifeprunox is a partial dopamine-receptor agonist under investigation for the treatment of patients with-schizophrenia. As a partial dopamine-receptor agonist, bifeprunox acts as,a dopamine-system stabilizer. This proposed mechanism of action is similar to that of aripiprazole but different from that,of the other currently marketed antipsychotic medications Available clinical and-safety data are limited but describe positive effects in treating. acute-psychotic symptoms and prolonging time to deterioration, with a generally tolerable side-effect profile. If approved, bifeprunox may serve as an additional option for. the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia.