Efficacy and Safety of Iloperidone in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Clinical trials were conducted on iloperidone in search of a safer and more efficacious treatment for schizophrenia, however, the results from the previous trials are non-conclusive. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of iloperidone in patients with schizophrenia. Methods The reviewers acquired data through a literature search across databases and clinical trial registries. The present meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and the methodological recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Results A total of 8789 patients’ data from 6 RCTs were included and Iloperidone was found to reduce positive and negative syndrome scale total (PANSS-T) scores significantly (MD:-10.33; 95%CI: −14.66 to −6.01). However, brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) score (MD:-0.82; 95%CI:-2.00 to 0.36) and clinical global impression scale of severity (CGI-S) (MD:-0.10; 95%CI: −0.23 to 0.03) did not reduce significantly. The subgroup analysis showed a significant effect of iloperidone against placebo (MD:-9.13; 95%CI:-12.48 to −5.78), but not against haloperidol, risperidone and ziprasidone. There was no significant difference in treatment-emergent adverse events between the iloperidone and the control group. Conclusions Iloperidone is safe and effective in reducing the PANSS-T score in patients of schizophrenia as compared to placebo. Future active-controlled clinical trials are warranted for conclusive evidence and therapeutic translation.