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A dissolvable version of GlaxoSmithKline’s drug Lamictal has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The breakthrough will allow patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets to take the drug by letting it disintegrate on their tongue.
Lamictal, or lamotrigine, is used to treat epilepsy or bipolar disorders by either stabilising seizures or moods.
A statement from the company said the FDA has approved dissolvable Lamictal ODT in 25mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg strengths and it is expected to be available by July.
The patent on Lamictal expired last year and since then other pharmaceutical companies have produced generic versions of the drug, with global sales in 2008 totalling $1.7 billion (£1.2bn). This has had a negative impact on GlaxoSmithKline’s profits.
Copyright Press Association 2009
