Schizophrenia outcomes may be improved by repurposed drug

A clinical trial is recruiting women with schizophrenia

A study by Monash University researchers has found that a drug used in the treatment of osteoporosis may help improve symptoms of schizophrenia. 

 

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Monash University, Central Clinical School, pioneered the use of estrogens in the treatment of schizophrenia and has conducted ground-breaking research in this area for the past 25 years. She and colleague Professor Suresh Sundram at the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, are leading an ongoing clinical trial of a new type of ‘brain estrogen’ called a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). 

 

Bazedoxifene is the new SERM being trialled and early results show improvement in schizophrenia symptoms.