Sarizotan in the Treatment of Neuroleptic-induced Tardive Dyskinesia

TD is a troublesome and potentially irreversible side effect associated with the use of neuroleptics. While the newer neuroleptics are improved in this regard, they all still carry the risk of TD. The present study proposes that sarizotan is a potential agent for treating neuroleptic-induced TD based on preliminary data indicating efficacy in the management of dyskinesias associated with Parkinson\'s disease. Its efficacy is further substantiated by pre-clinical data obtained from the vacuous chewing movement (VCM) model in rats, a model we employ ourselves in investigating the relationship between D2 occupancy and TD. The present study also examines the effects of sarizotan on cognitive function, given the association between TD and cognitive deficits.