New Insights into the Mechanism of Action of Antipsych...( ROCKVILLE Md. March 10 /- Vanda Pharm...)

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: VNDA) reports the publication in Schizophrenia Research, the official journal of the Schizophrenia International Research Society, of a manuscript entitled "Common effect of antipsychotics on the biosynthesis and regulation of fatty acids and cholesterol supports a key role of lipid homeostasis in schizophrenia" (1).

This publication highlights the discovery of a major effect of antipsychotics that sheds new light on how these drugs work. Vanda researchers analyzed the mechanism of action of 18 antipsychotics at the molecular level and discovered that they regulate specific genes that control the production and transport of lipids. These findings suggest that antipsychotic drugs may alter the fluidity of cell membranes of neurons, which could result in changes in neuronal connectivity. The antipsychotics tested included Vanda's antipsychotic iloperidone, currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia.

"This exciting discovery demonstrates Vanda's commitment in understanding the molecular mechanism of drugs with a goal of improving therapeutic solutions for patients" said Mihael H. Polymeropoulos, MD, Vanda's Chief Executive Officer.

(1) Polymeropoulos M.H. et al., "Common effect of antipsychotics on the biosynthesis and regulation of fatty acids and cholesterol supports a key role of lipid homeostasis in schizophrenia." Schizophr Res. 2009 Mar; 108(1-3):134-42.

About Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.:

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of clinical-stage product candidates for central nervous system disorders. For more on Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., p
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