Clinical trial with a new substance (PLP 100-127) in order to asses therapeutic efficacy and dependence creating properties.

Abstract

The objectives of the study have been to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of PLP 100-127 (6-(4-methyl-l-piperazinyl) morphanthridin) on patients with moderate to severe insomnia, to evaluate safety and tolerance of the drug and to investigate whether or not the drug may have dependence producing properties through the possible development of mental and/or physical dependence. A clinical-therapeutical long-term comparsion as a double blind cross-over investigation between PLP 100-127 and nitrazepan is presented. 30 patients at Gaustad hospital, mainly long-term patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, were selected for the trial, which lasted for 38 weeks. There were 9 drop outs, mainly due to relapse of psychotic symptoms. PLP 100-127 seems to have a favorable effect on moderate and severe insomnia in patients suffering from severe mental diseases. It seems to be well tolerated in these groups of patients. No signs of dependence producing properties have been observed by the observation method here presented.