Health Canada approves ZELDOX(R) for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder
KIRKLAND, QC, Jan. 22 /CNW/ - Pfizer Canada Inc. announced today that
Health Canada has approved ZELDOX (ziprasidone hydrochloride), for use in the
treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Prompt and effective control of acute manic or mixed episodes is an important
goal as patients are at an increased risk for impulsive and dangerous
behaviors, often requiring psychiatric hospitalization.
"As many bipolar disorder medications cause substantial weight gain, it
is often challenging to treat patients for this serious and often disabling
condition," said Dr. Roger McIntyre, Head, Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology
Unit, University Health Network and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and
Pharmacology, University of Toronto. "ZELDOX provides an important new option
for patients suffering from acute manic or mixed episodes associated with
bipolar disorder as it appears to cause less weight gain and consequent
morbidity than other medications that are frequently used to treat mood
disorders. A primary reason that patients discontinue therapy as part of
bipolar management is due to intolerable and distressing side effects such as
weight gain." ZELDOX is also approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and
related psychotic disorders, bringing an additional option to manage these
chronic complex mental illnesses, which are highly stigmatized and
misunderstood.
"One of the greatest challenges in coping with a mood disorder is
appropriate diagnosis and then access to appropriate treatment, including
medication that meets the specific needs of the patient," said Phil Upshall,
National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. "Newly
approved medications for bipolar disorder are welcome because they provide
both the doctor and the patient with more treatment options. This is a great
benefit for the community which Mood Disorders Canada serves."
Approximately 2% of Canadians will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder in
their lifetime(1). Acute mania characterized by symptoms such as feeling
invincible or all powerful, inflated self-esteem, racing thoughts,
overreaction to what one sees or hears, misinterpretation of events,
speeded-up activity, talking very quickly, too loudly, or more than usual. The
precise cause of bipolar disorder remains unknown and there is no definitive
cure.
"With its rapid control of symptoms and favorable weight profile, ZELDOX
is a welcome new treatment option for people suffering from bipolar disorder,"
said John Helou, General Manager, Specialty Care - Canada, Pfizer Canada.
About ZELDOX
Discovered and developed by Pfizer, ZELDOX was approved in Canada in 2008
for the treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders and in 2009
for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar
disorder.
ZELDOX has been approved in 89 other countries worldwide and is marketed
under the brand name GEODON in some countries, including the United States.
About Pfizer Canada Inc.
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc, the world's
leading pharmaceutical company. Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures and
markets prescription medicines for humans and animals. Pfizer's ongoing
research and development activities focus on a wide range of therapeutic areas
following our guiding aspiration: Working for a healthier world. For more
information, visit www.pfizer.ca.
ZELDOX is a trade-mark of Pfizer Products Inc., Pfizer Canada Inc.,
license.
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(1) Mood Disorders Society of Canada, 2008.
