New Data Demonstrate RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) (Risperidone) Long-Acting Treatment May Improve Health Outcomes and Reduce Hospitalizations in Patients with Sch...( SAN FRANCISCO May 19 /- Schizophrenia...),Health

SAN FRANCISCO, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling diseases,(1) and frequent relapses and rehospitalization as a result of the disease place enormous burdens on patients, caregivers and society.(2) According to two new studies, the use of RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) (risperidone) Long-Acting Treatment (RLAT) may improve clinical and functional outcomes and reduce rates of rehospitalization among patients with schizophrenia. Results of the studies were presented this week at a major medical meeting.

In an analysis of two prospective, observational two-year studies conducted in the U.S. and three other countries, RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) consistently and significantly improved clinical and functional outcomes for patients with schizophrenia. Data were collected at baseline and at three-month intervals up to 24 months, and included the Clinical Global Impression of Illness Severity (CGI-S), which measures clinical effectiveness outcomes, the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and healthcare resource utilization. Patients were enrolled in the U.S. (N=532), Spain (N=1345), Australia (N=784) and Belgium (N=408).

Across countries, patients treated with RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) experienced significant improvements in both outcome measurements compared with baseline scores (p<0.001). Patients completing the two-year studies experienced approximately a 1-point reduction in the CGI-S score and approximately a 15-point improvement in the GAF score.(3)

"Helping patients to improve their functioning is a major goal of treatment for schizophrenia," said Riad Dirani, Ph.D., Director of Outcomes Research, Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "The findings of this analysis provide encouraging evidence of a functional improvement following treatment with long-acting therapy."

A separate observational retrospective analysis presented at the meeting sugges
'/>"/>