Allergan Plc (NYSE:AGN) has landed an approval from the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for the use of its VRAYLAR drug for the treatment of schizophrenia.
A supplemental new drug allocation was approved for VRAYLAR as a maintenance treatment, after the drug’s efficacy was shown in a 72-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
"The differences in how people with schizophrenia respond to treatment underscores the importance of having additional treatment options," said David Nicholson, Allergan chief research and development officer.
"We are pleased that the FDA has recognized the benefits of VRAYLAR for maintenance treatment of adults with schizophrenia.
“This approval demonstrates our continued investment in VRAYLAR, as well as our commitment to developing treatments that address unmet needs facing people living with mental illness."
Dr Herbert Meltzer, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, in the statement said: ”Schizophrenia is one of the most challenging mental health disorders to manage – particularly due to the complexity of patient symptoms, varying response to treatment and high rates of relapse,"
"The goal of clinicians is to minimize relapses, which can cause significant personal distress, and can often have serious implications for a patient's health.
“The approval of VRAYLAR for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia provides an important therapy for patients and physicians who are in need of long-term treatment options."
Shares added 0.79% in New York to US$173.56.