Forest Laboratories reports positive data from bipolar disorder trial

Forest Laboratories has reported positive new clinical trial data for cariprazine, its treatment for bipolar I disorder.

In association with partner Gedeon Richter, the company has conducted a phase III study of the investigational antipsychotic agent for patients with acute mania associated with the mental disorder.

It was found that cariprazine was able to deliver significant symptom improvement compared to placebo-treated patients, with the drug taking effect within four days of beginning therapy.

Dr Marco Taglietti, senior vice-president of research and development and president of the Forest Research Institute, said: "These exciting positive phase III results in patients with bipolar mania demonstrate the potential of cariprazine as a novel antipsychotic agent."

The drug is also being evaluated as a means of treating schizophrenia and bipolar depression, among other conditions.

In August 2011, the company submitted an application for regulatory approval of the irritable bowel syndrome treatment linaclotide in the US.