Otsuka and Lundbeck receive EU approval for schizophrenia therapy

Otsuka and Lundbeck have been granted marketing authorisation approval from the European Commission for Abilify Maintena, their new schizophrenia therapy.

The intramuscular once-monthly injectable formulation has been ratified for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients stabilised with oral aripiprazole. It has demonstrated its efficacy in clinical trials and has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse relative to placebo.

Statistically significant benefits on patients' personal and social functioning have been associated with the drug, while 93 percent of patients reported being extremely, very or somewhat satisfied with their treatment.

Abilify Maintena also offers a positive safety profile, similar to that of oral Abilify.

Ole Vahlgren, chief executive officer and president at Otsuka Europe, said: "We strongly believe the schizophrenia community will welcome the availability of Abilify Maintena to help improve outcomes for patients living with schizophrenia."

Last month, Otsuka and Lundbeck announced the commencement of a phase III trial programme for Lu AE58054, a new add-on treatment they have developed for Alzheimer's disease.