Download SearchLyte Study on Schizophrenia

Andrew Winokur, MD, PhD
Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital
200 Retreat Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 545-7956 or (860) 545-7502
The SearchLyte Program
Dear NAMI of Massachusetts:
We are writing to inform you that we are conducting a new program of clinical research studies
in schizophrenia, called the SearchLyte Program. As you may be aware, it is believed that
approximately 20% of schizophrenia patients experience predominant negative symptoms
(such as feeling numb or empty inside, having little interest in life, and finding it hard to
communicate), which often persist despite antipsychotic treatment. There is therefore an urgent
medical need for the development of treatments specifically targeted at the negative symptoms
of schizophrenia.
Three of the studies in the SearchLyte Program are looking at whether a potential new
investigational treatment, RO4917838, is effective and safe in treating the negative symptoms
of schizophrenia when given with a patient’s usual antipsychotic medication.
The studies will last for just over 1 year with regular clinic visits during this time. After that
there will be an opportunity to receive the investigational study medication for a longer period
of up to 3 years.
To be eligible for the study, patients need to be ≥18 years of age and currently taking a typical
or atypical antipsychotic (not clozapine); they must have been clinically stable for 5 months,
and have a responsible caregiver who can ensure compliance with the study and its procedures.
Participants need to have prominent and persistent negative symptoms despite taking their
antipsychotic medications.
I hope you will consider raising awareness about the SearchLyte Program to your community
of patients with schizophrenia. We would be happy to provide you with further information –
please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below.
Sincerely
Andrew Winokur, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
The SearchLyte Study Team
Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital
200 Retreat Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
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