FDA Approves Invega (Paliperidone)

An FDA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P06-208
December 20, 2006
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FDA Approves New Drug for Schizophrenia

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Invega (paliperidone) extended-release tablets for the treatment of schizophrenia. Paliperidone is a new molecular entity, which means this medication contains an active substance that has never before been approved for marketing in any form in the United States. Paliperidone is the principal active metabolite of risperidone, a marketed drug for treating schizophrenia.

"Schizophrenia can be a devastating illness requiring lifelong medication and professional counseling," said Douglas Throckmorton, MD, Deputy Director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Today's approval adds to the treatment options for patients with this condition."

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