MK-5720 + MK-8189 for Schizophrenia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines the safety and behavior of two new treatments, MK-5720 and MK-8189, in individuals with schizophrenia. Participants will receive these medicines either as an oral pill or an injection to assess tolerance. The trial seeks individuals who have had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder for at least two years and are currently on antipsychotic medication. As a Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive these new treatments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking all antipsychotic medications at least 5 days or 3 half-lives (whichever is longer) before starting the treatment and during the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
A previous study showed that MK-8189 was quite safe, with no deaths or serious side effects reported among participants. Researchers tested different doses, including 8 mg, 16 mg, and 24 mg, and found it well-tolerated.
For MK-5720, less information is available. The current trial, in its early stages, primarily focuses on safety, so researchers are still learning how well participants handle it.
Both treatments are closely monitored for side effects in current studies, a standard practice in early research to ensure participant safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
MK-5720 and MK-8189 are unique because they represent a novel approach to treating schizophrenia by combining oral and intramuscular delivery methods. Unlike typical antipsychotics that primarily target dopamine receptors, these treatments potentially offer an alternative mechanism of action, which might address symptoms in patients who don't respond well to existing medications like risperidone or olanzapine. Researchers are excited about the possibility of these treatments offering more rapid symptom relief, as they involve a brief oral treatment followed by a single injection, potentially reducing the time needed to see improvements compared to standard therapies.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for schizophrenia?
Early research suggests that MK-8189, one of the treatments studied in this trial, might alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia. Studies have shown that patients taking MK-8189 tend to improve more than those on a placebo, with better scores on tests measuring schizophrenia symptoms. MK-8189 works by blocking an enzyme called PDE10A, which might help reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
For MK-5720, another treatment option in this trial, little information exists on its effectiveness for schizophrenia. Currently, researchers are primarily examining its safety and how the body processes it. Both treatments are under study in this trial, but MK-8189 appears more promising based on early results.12678Who Is on the Research Team?
Medical Director
Principal Investigator
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, diagnosed at least 2 years ago. Participants must have a history of tolerating antipsychotic medications and can stop their current medication for the study duration. They cannot join if they have severe allergies, metal implants preventing MRI scans, certain infections like HIV or hepatitis, are at risk of self-harm, or have specific psychiatric exclusions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Period 1: Oral Treatment
Participants receive once-daily oral doses of MK-8189 or placebo for 7 days
Washout
A 72-hour washout period following the oral treatment phase
Period 2: Intramuscular Injection
Participants receive a single intramuscular dose of MK-5720 or placebo
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MK-5720
- MK-8189
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Lead Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Marketing Officer since 2022
Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University