New Treatment For Schizophrenia
Launched Today Abilify™

(aripiprazole): The first in a new class of treatment for people with schizophrenia

(Monday, 21st June, 2004, London) Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals (U.K.) Ltd today announced the launch of Abilifyä (aripiprazole), the first of a next generation of antipsychotics, for the treatment of schizophrenia.

In terms of the way it affects brain chemicals, Abilify is the first new drug for schizophrenia in nearly 15 years. As a dopamine system stabiliser, Abilify works in a new way to other available treatments. It addresses the positive (delusions, hallucinations and hostility), negative (low motivation and social withdrawal) and cognitive symptoms (memory loss and poor attention) of schizophrenia as well as having a favourable tolerability profile. Unlike some other therapies, Abilify is not generally associated with side effects such as weight gain or hormonal changes, which may result in sexual dysfunction.

Dr Mike Travis, Institute of Psychiatry, said, "What’s new about Abilify is its mode of action which means that it is highly effective at controlling the symptoms of schizophrenia and has an excellent tolerability profile. Psychiatrists continue to look for improved effective treatment options for their patients. In Abilify we have a treatment that is highly effective and that is not associated with the common side effects seen with some other treatments such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction."

Schizophrenia is a chronic and persistent brain disorder and is one of the most common and most severe forms of mental illness. It most often occurs during the prime of one’s life, striking people between the ages of 15 – 45 years and affects 1 in 100 of the UK population. It is caused by an imbalance of an important chemical in the brain known as dopamine, which is linked to a person's ability to think and act rationally, manage emotions and make decisions.

Abilify, the first available dopamine system stabiliser, efficiently balances dopamine activity by helping to restore natural levels. Previous antipsychotic treatments have controlled some of the symptoms of schizophrenia by, in essence, blocking the release of dopamine and thereby causing unwanted side effects.

Side effects caused by antipsychotic treatments are one of the main reasons why people with schizophrenia stop taking their medication. Drug adherence is key, as people with schizophrenia who do not take their medicines are twice as likely to relapse (schizophrenia worsens) than those who do. It is known that further and persistent relapses can make it difficult for patients to return to their previous level of well being. The effectiveness and good side effect profile seen with Abilify means that patients may be more likely to continue to take their treatment. This may lead to a better long-term future.

Dr Mike Launer, Consultant Psychiatrist, Lamont Clinic, Burnley General Hospital, said, “We as psychiatrists need to feel confident in the drugs that we prescribe because we have to instil that confidence in our patients. We have such a drug in Abilify. At the Lamont clinic, we’ve started to use Abilify in clinical practice - we’ve already used it in more than 30 patients who are generally progressing well, and more importantly, sticking to their medication.”

One important feature of Abilify's tolerability profile is that it is not generally sedating which means that patients may be less sleepy than on other antipsychotic medication, thereby helping to promote normal functioning. Sedation has been identified as one of the key reasons for patient discontinuation of treatment.

Abilify is available in a 15mg once a day starting and maintenance tablet, in addition to 10mg and 30mg tablet strengths.

On 4th June 2004 the European Commission granted marketing authorisation for Abilify for the treatment of schizophrenia in 25 EU countries.