AP - Drugmaker AstraZeneca PLC said Monday it launched its drug Seroquel XR as a treatment for bipolar disorder in addition to a previous approval for schizophrenia.

The London-based company will sell Seroquel XR as a treatment for depressive, manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, as well as schizophrenia in adults, and acute schizophrenic episodes. It can also be marketed in combination with two other commonly used depression treatments, lithium and divalproex.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic and severe mood swings.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Seroquel in bipolar disorder in late 2008. AstraZeneca said Seroquel XR is the only drug to get FDA approval in the bipolar disorder indications.

AstraZeneca also said it will market Seroquel XR in 50 mg and 150 mg strengths. The drug is currently on the market in 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg doses. Worldwide sales of Seroquel totaled $4.45 billion in 2008, making it AstraZeneca’s second-best selling drug after the heartburn treatment Nexium.

Related posts

• Tricyclic antidepressants may induce mood conversions in bipolar (0)
• Thyroid hormone gives hope to treatment-resistant bipolar, depression (0)
• Schizophrendia drug may be useful for bipolar (0)
• New approach may be needed for depression in bipolar patients (0)
• Glossary (0)
• Bipolar ups risk of early death (0)
• 8 risk factors for suicide attempts of bipolar patients identified (0)

Leave a Reply