How the pharmacokinetics and receptor-binding profile of lurasidone affect the clinical utility and safety of the drug in the treatment of schizophrenia

INTRODUCTION: This paper reviews the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of lurasidone from the perspective of clinical pharmacology and helps the clinician compare this drug with others from the same therapeutic class to aid in drug selection and use in specific situations. AREAS COVERED: We reviewed the literature using the keywords 'lurasidone,' 'schizophrenia' and 'clinical trials.' In our review, particular attention was paid to those articles that reviewed the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and its efficacy and safety/tolerability based on data from registration trials. EXPERT OPINION: Lurasidone may be more effective and/or better tolerated than other antipsychotics by some patients although there is currently no way to identify which patients will best respond to which antipsychotic medication. Data from clinical trials of lurasidone in schizophrenia suggest a lower likelihood of weight gain and metabolic problems in patients being treated with lurasidone versus olanzapine and quetiapine.