Abilify Depot(Otsuka) maintenance of Schizophrenia study comfirmed - 11-May-2012

A Phase III study of once-monthly Abilify (aripiprazole intramuscular depot formulation) from Otsuka/Lundbeck for the maintenance treatment of Schizophrenia, showed that the product was effective in delaying time to relapse for Schizophrenia patients. The results reported this week represent the final data analysis of the study by Otsuka, which was terminated early after 50% of the 125 events needed to complete the study were achieved seven months ahead of schedule. Compared to placebo, the once-monthly depot version of Abilify significantly delayed time to impending relapse (p<0.0001), which was the study's primary endpoint. Furthermore, improvements in symptoms were maintained throughout the study in patients taking the drug, while those on placebo reported worsening PANSS scores.