Recombinant human IGF-1 for patients with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disease where brain connectivity abnormalities are present. Evidence support the fact that these abnormalities are related to demyelination. Experimental and preclinical data support the fact that IGF-1 treatment enhances the myelination process through oligodendrocytes stimulation. Clinical data in patients suffering from demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis show that IGF-1 treatment is safe. Yet, there is no clinical evidence supporting the fact that IGF-1 treatment is efficient in modifying the course of this disease. Clinical evidence supports the fact that patients suffering from schizophrenia present low IGF-1 levels. Accordingly, the administration of IGF-1 for the treatment of schizophrenia symptoms might be an efficient way to treat these symptoms. Subcutaneous recombinant human IGF-1 in the dose of 0.05 mg/kg given twice daily might be administered because this form of treatment has proved its safe profile. According to some evidence, treatment initiation might be more efficient at the disease onset rendering it more appropriate to be tested in patients presenting with first episode psychosis. It can also be tested as an adjuvant treatment to antipsychotic agents.