Eli Lilly reports olanzapine LAI data

Eli Lilly has announced the final results of a 24-week study assessing the long-term benefit of olanzapine long-acting injection (LAI) as a treatment for schizophrenia.

The company said the data suggested therapeutic doses of the investigational compound showed a maintenance of treatment benefit for up to six months.

These results, together with pooled safety data from all previous trails of olanzapine LAI, were presented at a medical meeting in Barcelona, Spain.

Olanzapine LAI is a new formulation of the compound that combines antipsychotic Zyprexa (olanzapine) with pamoic acid.

This results in a salt that sustains the delivery of the active ingredient for up to four weeks.

David McDonnell, clinical research physician at Eli Lilly, said: “These studies offer insight into the role olanzapine LAI may play in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia who have benefited from olanzapine but continue to struggle with adherence.”

He added that, if approved, this new formulation of the compound could offer patients a new treatment option for the chronic and severe condition.

In June 2008, Eli Lilly told the first annual conference of the Schizophrenia International Research Society that olanzapine LAI had potential as a maintenance treatment for schizophrenia patients who have difficulties taking their medication daily.