Antipsychotic Abilify (aripiprazole) approved for marketing in Europe.

2004 JUL 5 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., announced that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for Abilify (aripiprazole), an antipsychotic medication, for the treatment of schizophrenia.

"Receiving marketing approval for Abilify in 25 nations of the European Union marks a significant milestone for Abilify and for both companies, bringing an important medicine one step closer to the millions of people in Europe living with schizophrenia," said Peter R. Dolan, chairman and chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb.

"For patients with schizophrenia, Abilify has a unique pharmacology among the atypical antipsychotics and has demonstrated proven efficacy with a comprehensive tolerability and safety profile," said Tatsuo Higuchi, president & representative director, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

"We are proud to have discovered Abilify and now be able to offer this important therapy in the European Union for people in need of treatment options of schizophrenia. It will also give Otsuka an opportunity to strengthen the foundations to introduce more of Otsuka's innovative medicines to people in Europe," Higuchi said.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe, Ltd., the London subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., holds the marketing authorization for Abilify in Europe. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka will co-promote Abilify in several European countries.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and persistent brain disorder and one of the most severe common mental illnesses. There are millions of people across Europe living with schizophrenia. It occurs in all cultures and affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide.

Schizophrenia interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. This illness tends to manifest itself in early adulthood and is characterized by positive symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, as well as negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal and emotional flatness. While there is no cure for schizophrenia, it is a treatable illness.