Otsuka files Abilify, first antipsychotic for major depressive disorder in Japan

Japanese drugmaker Otsuka Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4768) has filed an additional indication for Abilify (aripiprazole) in August, as Japan's first antipsychotic agent to be approved for the adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder.

The filing is being conducted for adjunct therapy in which Abilify is added to and used alongside existing treatment when sufficient effect is not obtained with antidepressant drugs (SSRI, SNRI).

Depression is a common mental disorder in Japan, experienced by about one in 15 people during their lifetime. The prevalence of depression in Japanese people is said to be at a rate of 6.3% during lifetime, and patient numbers have increased 2.4-fold over the last 12 years, reaching 1.4 million in 2008, the company said.