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A schizophrenia treatment already used in New Zealand that involves injections of an antipsychotic has been recommended for approval in Europe, according to the company that makes the drug.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) said olanzapine Long-acting Injection (LAI), known in Europe by the trade name Zypadhera, should be used on adult patients with schizophrenia who have responded to treatment with oral olanzapine.
Long-acting injections have been found to improve treatment for patients who struggle with adherence to oral medications.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company said the CHMP’s positive opinion is now referred for final action to the European Commission, which grants approval in the European Union.
Olanzapine LAI combines Zyprexa (olanzapine), an atypical antipsychotic, with pamoic acid resulting in a salt that sustains the delivery of olanzapine for a period of up to four weeks.
Dr David McDonnell, clinical research physician at Lilly, said: “Because of the chronic and severe nature of schizophrenia, persistent challenges with adherence and the limited number of depot formulations available, we believe that olanzapine LAI has the potential to become a valuable treatment option for patients.”
Copyright PA Business 2008
