Pfizer announces positive long-term Pristiq data

Pfizer has announced positive long-term data showcasing the benefits of its major depressive disorder drug Pristiq.

The company has attended the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association to report results from a number of studies of the drug, including a long-term relapse prevention study and a trial involving peri and post-menopausal women.

In both studies, Pfizer's drug was shown to deliver significant efficacy benefits when compared to placebo, while a third study revealed valuable insight into the effect of discontinuing treatment.

Pfizer continues to carry out reviews of Pristiq – which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2008 – in order to further underline its strong performance.

Dr Christine Guico-Pabia, senior director for global medical affairs at Pfizer, said: "With an established efficacy and safety profile … there is a robust body of evidence that supports the use of Pristiq for adult patients with major depressive disorder."

Last month, the company was granted UK approval for its drug Inspra to be used in a new specification for chronic heart failure patients.