In a major, government-sponsored study, researchers have concluded that a new group of branded schizophrenia drugs are little or no better than much cheaper, older drugs in the same class. The study compared four new schizophrenia medications with one older one. Three quarters of the patients in the study dropped out, complaining of side effects or discomfort. Zyprexa from Eli Lilly did work longer than the other drugs in controlling symptoms, but patients taking the drug also were more likely to experience weight gain that left them vulnerable to diabetes.
The study could have a major impact on the multibillion-dollar market for schizophrenia drugs. The four new drugs in the study garner $10 billion a year and command 90 percent of the market. Several state Medicaid programs already restrict beneficiaries to the newer drugs and many more are likely to follow in their footsteps following the new study.
- read this article from The New York Times