Bristol-Myers Squibb, Otsuka Pharmaceutical receive expanded drug indications

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical have been granted expanded indications for the application of Abilify as a treatment for Bipolar I Disorder and Schizophrenia among paediatric patients, the companies have confirmed.

The drug will now be used in the maintenance treatment of manic and mixed episodes of Bipolar I Disorder with or without psychotic features among patients aged ten to 17 years old.

It will also be used as a clinical maintenance treatment for adolescent Schizophrenia patients between 13 and 17.

In addition, Abilify has been approved for as a complementary therapy to either lithium or valprote in the acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder among patients aged ten to 17.

Abilify is currently used as a treatment for Bipolar I Disorder episodes and Schizophrenia among adults, as well as being an acute treatment for the conditions among the ten to 17 and 13 to 17 groups.

According to mentalhealth.com, Bipolar I Disorder is one of the most serious forms of mental illness, leading to episodes of manic behaviour and depression.

Schizophrenia, meanwhile, currently affects around 24 million people worldwide, figures form the World Health Organisation show.