Europe backs Astra's Seroquel XR as add-on for depression

2nd Sep 2010 07:09

AstraZeneca has received approval from the European Commission (EC) for its schizophrenia and bipolar drug Seroquel XR as an add-on treatment for major depressive episodes where antidepressants haven't worked.The drug giant will now start obtaining local approvals, which will take about 30 days in the 17 member states that took part in the original Mutual Recognition Procedure. It may take longer elsewhere.This application for Seroquel XR includes updates on topics like suicidality, weight gain, hyperglycaemia, extrapyramidal symptoms, akathisia, somnolence, orthostatic hypotension, and dizziness.Approval for the drug has already been granted in 72 countries for schizophrenia, 57 countries for bipolar mania, 49 countries for bipolar depression,