Using positron emission tomography (PET) researchers associated with the journal ‘Biological Psychiatry’ have found out that a mechanism of brain inflammation is a major reason behind the development of schizophrenia. This has led them to suggest that anti-inflammatory agents hold a potential for use in the treatment of schizophrenia. They further maintain that medications under this category with powers to target, especially, the activation of microglia need to be studied.

he U.S. Food and Drug Administration has provided the patients of schizophrenia with an administration option for RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) ([risperidone] Long-Acting Injection) by approving a new injection site, the deltoid muscle in the arm. RISPERDAL CONSTA was previously approved as a gluteal injection only. The indication was given on the basis of a study which showed that the gluteal and deltoid injections of RISPERDAL CONSTA were bioequivalent routes of administration. The new site is also safe and tolerable. The new packs of RISPERDAL CONSTA will now have two separate with the needle for deltoid injection being smaller gauge and shorter than the gluteal needle in length. RISPERDAL CONSTA is marketed in the U.S. by Janssen(R).

Eli Lilly and Company has announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has expressed a positive opinion in recommending the approval of Zypadhera (olanzapine long-acting injection) for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients. The stand taken by the CHMP will have to be confirmed by the European Commission for the new indication to be considered as approved. The CHMP formed its opinion on the basis of data derived from eight studies, involving 2,054 patients.