AstraZeneca Submits sNDA for SEROQUEL XR(TM) for the Treatment of Major Depressiv...(riteria including the MADRS. Doses of 50...)

In 2007, SEROQUEL XR was approved in the U.S. for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients and for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients. Last month, AstraZeneca announced the submission of two separate sNDAs to the FDA for SEROQUEL XR to seek approval for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. The FDA has not completed its review of these submissions. In addition to the submission for MDD, clinical development programs are ongoing and regulatory filings are planned for SEROQUEL XR in other indications.

Launched in 1997, SEROQUEL(R) (quetiapine fumarate tablets) has been prescribed to millions of patients worldwide. It is approved in 88 countries for the treatment of schizophrenia, in 79 countries for the treatment of bipolar mania, and in 11 countries including the U.S. for the treatment of bipolar depression.

Important Safety Information for SEROQUEL and SEROQUEL XR

SEROQUEL XR is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. SEROQUEL is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder; acute manic episodes in bipolar I disorder, as either monotherapy or adjunct therapy to lithium or divalproex; and schizophrenia. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for treatment beyond the acute response.

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk (1.6 to 1.7 times) of death, compared to placebo (4.5% vs 2.6%, respectively). SEROQUEL and SEROQUEL XR are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. (See Boxed Warning.)

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults
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