BioLineRx publishes results of BL-1020 Phase II testing

BioLineRx has reported positive results from Phase II testing of its new schizophrenia treatment BL-1020.

Biopharma development company BioLineRx has published the results of its Phase II EAGLE clinical trial for BL-1020.

The new drug aims to be the first of its kind in the field of orally available GABA-enhanced antipsychotics for schizophrenia. Trials showed that the treatment is safe and effective in improving symptoms of the condition, as well as easing the cognitive impairment that often accompanies it.

Publishing the findings in the Journal of Clinical Psychoiatry, Professor Richard Keefe, of Duke University Medical Center, said that significant cognitive impairment is common in cases of schizophrenia, but existing antipsychotic do little to address this issue.

"Cognitive impairments are important targets for intervention, as they affect vocational and social functioning and independent living," he said.

"In the Phase IIb EAGLE study, BL-1020 shows a clear and significant effect in improving cognitive function in schizophrenia patients."

BioLineRx is currently running further clinical trials to verify these results and expects testing to be completed by the second half of 2013.