Pfizer reports positive trial data for depression drug Pristiq

Pfizer has reported top-line efficacy data from a new phase IV study of Pristiq, its clinically proven therapy for adults with major depressive disorder.

Results from the trial supports the efficacy of the drug compared with placebo over eight weeks of treatment, with the most common therapy-associated adverse events falling in line with Pristiq's known safety and tolerability profile.

Almost 1,000 patients were enrolled in the latest study of the depression therapy, which has been approved in the US since 2008 and has demonstrated its effectiveness in a number of studies.

Pfizer has pledged to continue researching the drug in order to help clinicians tailor their treatment approaches more effectively.

Dr Steven Romano, senior vice-president and head of the medicines development group for Pfizer's global primary care business unit, said: "These positive top-line results add to the growing body of evidence that supports Pristiq as a treatment option for adults with major depressive disorder."

This comes in the same week that Pfizer's heart failure drug Inspra received a recommendation from the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group, meaning it will be made available to NHS patients in Wales.