Takeda receives CHMP recommendation for schizophrenia drug

Takeda and its partner Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma have received a recommendation for EU approval of their new schizophrenia therapy lurasidone.

The European Medicines Agency has endorsed the drug for use in Europe in the treatment of adult patients with schizophrenia, based on data from a comprehensive clinical trial programme.

Lurasidone has been shown to be effective in treating both positive and negative symptoms in acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia over six weeks. In short and longer-term clinical studies, the drug has also demonstrated effectiveness with low rates of metabolic change.

Takeda has already received approval for the once-daily oral treatment from authorities in Switzerland, the US and Canada. Its Swiss launch last year, under the name Latuda, marked its European debut and came as part of a wider planned rollout of the drug across the continent.

Dr Philipp Eich at the Klinik fur Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie in Liestal, Switzerland, said: "We need effective, well-tolerated and metabolically neutral treatment alternatives. Lurasidone has an interesting profile, which could benefit many patients with schizophrenia."