Study published in Psychiatric journal supports efficacy of first long-acting, newer-generation schizophrenia treatment.

11 июня, 2003
People with schizophrenia who were treated with Risperdal Consta - a new, long-acting formulation in development of the most widely prescribed antipsychotic, risperidone, experienced significant symptom relief, with relatively low levels of side effects, in a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Chemical Business NewsBase - Press Release via NewsEdge Corporation : People with schizophrenia who were treated with Risperdal Consta - a new, long-acting formulation in development of the most widely prescribed antipsychotic, risperidone, experienced significant symptom relief, with relatively low levels of side effects, in a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. In the 12-week, double-blind study, 400 patients with schizophrenia were randomised to receive injections of placebo or Risperdal Consta (25 mg, 50 mg or 75 mg) once every two weeks. Significant improvement was seen at all doses studied in both positive symptoms and negative symptoms. An average of 45% of patients, depending on the dosage administered, saw a 20% or greater degree of symptom improvement. All doses of Risperdal Consta were well tolerated. Patients enrolled in the study were given oral risperidone for one week at the start of the study. Oral treatment continued for another three weeks after the injections began to provide a smooth transition between the oral and injectable formulations. The new, long-acting injectable formulation uses technology developed by Alkermes Inc, of Cambridge, MA, that allows the medication risperidone to be gradually released into the body. Based in Titusville, NJ, Janssen Pharmaceutica Products LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson has a long track record in developing and marketing treatments for central nervous system disorders. Publication: Chemical Business NewsBase - Press Release Distributed by Financial Times Information Limited - Asia Africa Intelligence Wire <> << Copyright ©2003 Financial Times Limited, All Rights Reserved >>