The effect of minocycline on symptoms in schizophrenia: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Studies have hypothesized that immunological abnormalities might contribute to schizophrenia, and basic science studies, as well as several clinical trials suggest that minocycline could be efficacious in ameliorating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study we examined the effect of minocycline on schizophrenia in a large randomized controlled trial.

Methods: We performed a 16-week, multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study on 200 subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder randomized to receive either minocycline (200 mg/day, n = 100), or placebo (n = 100) as an add-on to anti-psychotic treatment. The primary outcome measure was the PANSS total score.

Results: Mixed models for repeated measures showed no significant difference between minocycline and placebo for total PANSS (p = 0.862), PANSS subscales, CGI or BACS.

Conclusions: Minocycline did not improve symptoms or cognition in schizophrenia.