Lundbeck and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) have announced marketing authorisation approval from the European Commission for Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole).

Abilify Maintena is an intramuscular (IM) once-monthly injectable formulation for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients stabilised with oral aripiprazole. “Studies have shown that the early use of long-acting injectables can prevent a person with schizophrenia from experiencing a relapse. Efficacy is important, but a treatment for a chronic condition such as schizophrenia also needs to be well tolerated so patients will stay on it over the long-term. We believe Abilify Maintena meets this need,” said Ole Chrintz, SVP International Markets & Europe, Lundbeck in a press release.

In November 2011 Lundbeck and Otsuka established a global collaboration to bring to patients therapies for better mental health. Previously this month the two companies also announced that the companies’ existing alliance now also includes the development and commercialization of Nalmefene in Japan.