Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of open label sarcosine added on to anti-psychotic treatment in schizophrenia – preliminary study

Revital Amiaz, Ilan Kent, Katya Rubinstein, Ben Ami Sela, Daniel Javitt, Mark Weiser*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Hypofunction of NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission might play a critical role in schizophrenia. Sarcosine, N- methylglycine and inhibitor of the glycine transporter-1 (Gly-T1), has been suggested as a novel treatment for schizophrenia. Methods: Open label sarcosine was added to 22 stabilized patients: 5 patients received 2 gm/d, and 17 received 4gm/d. Pharmacokinetics samples, clinical and cognitive parameters using PANSS, CGI and MCCB were collected for all patients. Results: Significant improvement was observed after one week of treatment on PANSS sub-scale of ’positive symptoms‘ (Z= -2.68; P=0.007) and ’general psychopathology‘ (Z= -3.02; P=0.003), an improvement in PANSS total score and CGI-S showed a trend (Z= -2.72; P=0.06; Z=-2.69; P=0.08). Speed of processing (MCCB subscale) improved significantly (Z=-2.13; P=0.03). Sarcosine exhibited linear kinetics, with a Tmax and t½ of ~1½- 2½ hr and ~1hr, respectively. Limitations: This was a short period, open label pilot study with small sample size per dosage group. Conclusions: Sarcosine is a safe compound and might be efficacious in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-16
Number of pages5
JournalIsrael Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences
Volume52
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2015

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