Project Summary

Gary Remington, FRCP, M.D., Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2002) of Centre For Addiction and Mental Health, is examining the ideal that oral anti-psychotics must be administered at least once daily for optimal outcome.  Based on research, it seems that while D2 occupancy may be a necessary (but not sufficient) requisite for anti-psychotic activity, sustained D2 blockade is not required.  Anti-psychotic activity is linked to D2 receptor binding and neuroimaging techniques have been used to evaluate D2 binding in vivo.  While D2 binding is necessary, the optimal anti-psychotic may be characterized by D2 transience.  Dr. Remington postulates that many of the anti-psychotics may not need to be administered on a daily basis.  However, in contrast to the older models of intermittent or targeted pharmacotherapy, he is suggesting that a more viable alternative is regular, extended dosing.  He believes this less frequent dosing will be associated with an improved side effect profile.  This research may not only re-define how we administer anti-psychotics, but may also be relevant in new drug development.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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