MEtformin and Lorcaserin for WeighT Loss in Schizophrenia

Summary

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to test new pharmacologic strategies for weight loss in patients with schizophrenia, a population for which no current weight-loss treatments have gained widespread use. The goal is to recruit overweight people with schizophrenia to participate in a 52-week double-blind, randomized study to assess the efficacy and safety of lorcaserin/metformin combination treatment, lorcaserin monotherapy, and placebo on weight, body composition, and measures of glucose and lipid metabolism. Participants: Approximately 110 subjects will be enrolled at four clinical sites (UNC Chapel Hill, Carolina Behavioral Care, Columbia University, and Augusta University) Procedures (methods): Behavioral: All participants will be offered a behavioral intervention of weekly diet and exercise counseling aimed at modifying cardiovascular risk factors. This intervention will be provided at all in-person study visits after the Baseline Visit and supplemented with weekly interim phone calls to reinforce lessons between visits. Pharmacological Intervention: All participants who meet entry criteria will be randomized to one of the three treatment groups (lorcaserin/metformin, lorcaserin, and placebo).

Timeline

Start

2016-09

Primary completion

2020-02-14

Completion

2020-02-14

Publications

• Background Brar JS, Ganguli R, Pandina G, Turkoz I, Berry S, Mahmoud R. Effects of behavioral therapy on weight loss in overweight and obese patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2005 Feb;66(2):205-12. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v66n0208.
• Background Jarskog LF, Hamer RM, Catellier DJ, Stewart DD, Lavange L, Ray N, Golden LH, Lieberman JA, Stroup TS; METS Investigators. Metformin for weight loss and metabolic control in overweight outpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2013 Sep;170(9):1032-40. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.12010127.
• Background Stroup TS, McEvoy JP, Ring KD, Hamer RH, LaVange LM, Swartz MS, Rosenheck RA, Perkins DO, Nussbaum AM, Lieberman JA; Schizophrenia Trials Network. A randomized trial examining the effectiveness of switching from olanzapine, quetiapine, or risperidone to aripiprazole to reduce metabolic risk: comparison of antipsychotics for metabolic problems (CAMP). Am J Psychiatry. 2011 Sep;168(9):947-56. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.10111609. Epub 2011 Jul 18.

Drugs

Indications