From psychopharmacology to sleep science to schizophrenia research, a look at what shaped the conversation at 3 major meetings this year.

SIRS

The Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) conference showcased positive outlooks for investigational schizophrenia treatments and drug switching studies this year. From synaptic regeneration to benzamide-based antipsychotics, new investigational drugs had a conference spotlight.

Positive Results for Investigational Antipsychotic, LB-102

Jessica Walters

LB-102, an investigational benzamide antipsychotic for schizophrenia, reported positive post hoc phase 2 analysis results, with ongoing phase 3 trials and planned open label extensions.¹ All once-daily doses of the medication tested showed significant effect compared with placebo, as well as low rates of extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, and gastrointestinal effects. LB-102 is a selective antagonist of D2, D3, and 5-HT7 receptors and occupied striatal dopamine receptors in the desirable range of 60% to 80% over 24 hours, which is consistent with other antagonists that successfully treat schizophrenia. Results of the phase 3 trial are anticipated in 2027, and future trials are planned for the drug in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

Switching to Cobenfy: Data Insights from Harald Hampel, MD, PhD, MSc

Switching to Cobenfy (xanomeline trospium chloride) from atypical antipsychotics? Data showed cross-titration was not related to safety concerns or discontinuation due to inefficacy.² Phase 4 clinical trials showed patients remained stable over 8 weeks of treatment, regardless of 2- or 4-week cross-titration, and about 86% of patients completed the full 8 weeks. Discontinuation did not differ largely between titration lengths, with rates of 13.5% and 15.1% in 2- and 4-week titration, respectively. Across both acute and long-term trials, the drug showed a low incidence of weight gain, metabolic changes, and movement disorders.

Synaptic Regeneration Drug Shows Symptom Improvement in Schizophrenia

An investigational synaptic regeneration therapy, tazbentetol, showed a favorable safety profile and improvement in cortical abnormality associated with schizophrenia.³ Investigators presented interim phase 2 results on once-daily administration of tazbentetol; participants showed improvement in positive and negative symptoms in addition to normalization of abnormalities in gamma band power which are thought to be related to schizophrenia. Analysis showed improved Positive and Negative Symptom Scale scores and a favorable safety profile with no severe adverse events. The drug is intended to trigger neurons to produce new synapses, forming dendritic spines with glutamatergic synapses and potentially reducing symptoms of schizophrenia.

References

1. Walters J. Phase 2 trial of LB-102 for schizophrenia shows positive impact on cognitive performance. Psychiatric Times. March 27, 2026. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/phase-2-trial-of-lb-102-for-schizophrenia-shows-positive-impact-on-cognitive-performance

2. Hampel H, Walters J. Switching to Cobenfy: data insights at SIRS from Harald Hampel, MD, PhD, MSc. Psychiatric Times. May 1, 2026. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/switching-to-cobenfy-data-insights-at-sirs-from-harald-hampel-md-phd-msc

3. Walters J. Tazbentetol for schizophrenia shows symptom improvement in phase 2 trial. Psychiatric Times. March 26, 2026. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/tazbentetol-for-schizophrenia-shows-symptom-improvement-in-phase-2-trial