FDA approves Erzofri for schizophrenia

China-based Luye Pharma (SEHK: 2186) revealed over the weekend that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's Erzofri (paliperidone palmitate; LY03010) extended-release injectable suspension, for treating schizophrenia in adults and for treating schizoaffective disorder in adults as monotherapy and as an adjunct to mood stabilizers or antidepressants.

Luye’s shares rose as much as 3.2% to HK$2.90 in early trading today.

The company explained that both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are severe, chronic psychiatric disorders characterized by recurring relapses. Antipsychotic medications play an important role in treating and controlling symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, but patient adherence to antipsychotics is generally poor. Using long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics is effective in improving patient adherence, as they can reduce the dosing frequency and can also reduce the risk of patients not adhering to their dosing regimen without the knowledge of their healthcare providers.