UK's NICE plans to recommend Abilify for children with bipolar disorder

UK drugs watch dog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new draft guidance proposing to recommend Abilify (aripiprazole), from Japanese drugmaker Otsuka Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4578) and Danish partner Lundbeck (LUND: DC), for treating moderate to severe manic episodes in adolescents aged 13 and older with bipolar I disorder.

Commenting on the draft guidance, Carole Longson, director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, said: “Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition which is characterized by episodes of mania and depression. During a manic episode, the young person usually experiences irritability, poor concentration, little need for sleep and poor temper control. They may also feel over-confident and be driven to take unnecessary risks.”

Prof Longson added: “Acute manic episodes not only have a huge impact on the young person in terms of school, work and social life, but also on those around them - particularly their family or carers. Because of this it is really important that manic episodes are treated quickly and effectively so that young people and their families can return to normal in terms of schooling, work and family life as quickly as possible.”