Braeburn expands pipeline to include two schizophrenia treatments

New Jersey, USA-based Braeburn Pharmaceuticals has expanded its current therapeutic focus beyond addiction and pain to include schizophrenia and other serious psychiatric disorders.

Privately-held Braeburn has acquired an implantable, six-month formulation of the atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic risperidone for treatment of schizophrenia from Ireland-headquartered Endo International (Nasdaq: ENDP) subsidiary Endo Pharmaceuticals.

Risperidone is currently the leading agent used for the treatment of schizophrenia and has a well-established record of safety and effectiveness. However, the utility of risperidone and other schizophrenia agents is dependent on consistent administration of therapeutic doses. It was originally developed by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen, which markets risperidone as Risperdal. With the risperidone acquisition Braeburn acquires global rights to other potential applications of the implant platform technology known as the MedLaunch Implant Program.