Bexarotene Augmentation of Antipsychotic Treatment for Chronic Schizophrenia

Background: Bexarotene (Targretin) is a synthetic retinoid mainly used for treatment of patients suffer from oncological or dermatological diseases. The present study is based on: evidence that retinoids are involved in neurodevelopment ("the retinoid dysregulation hypothesis"); an assumption that the combined effect of antipsychotic agents and bexarotene will have a beneficial effect on schizophrenia patients; and the positive findings from our pilot open-label clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00141947). However, clinical efficacy of bexarotene should be investigated in a placebo-controlled trial. Methods: In a 6-week, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial Targretin (75 mg/day) or placebo capsules will be added to the stable ongoing antipsychotic treatment of 90 schizophrenia patients. Participants will be assessed at baseline and after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. A battery of research instruments will be used for assessment of psychopathology, side effects, general functioning and quality of life. In addition, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, liver and thyroid function tests and a blood cell count will be monitored at baseline and during the study