The much anticipated results of a large study of schizophrenia drugs dubbed CATIE for Clinical Antipsychotic Trials in Intervention Effectiveness were announced in the September 22 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Newer atypical antipsychotics including Eli-Lilly’s (LLY) Zyprexa, Johnson & Johnson’s (JNJ) Risperdal, AstraZeneca’s (AZN) Seroquel and Pfizer’s (PFE) Geodon were compared to the older antipsychotic perphenazine, which was introduced in the 1950’s. Patients who failed with all drugs were switched to Abilify, the latest drug from Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY). The results of the study, while not entirely surprising, could have a major impact on the standard of care for schizophrenia, one of the most lucrative segments of the neuropharmaceutical market. The need for better drugs is highlighted by the study and some new options are headed down the pipeline.
