( ated using the MADRS rating scale from...)Cipralex demonstrates superiority to duloxetine for acute treatment,of depression in new study,Health

* Patients taking Cipralex® demonstrated significantly greater improvement in depression symptoms at week eight (acute treatment) than patients taking duloxetine. This superiority was evident after the first week of treatment and was maintained at all time points until week 16 (p<0.05)

* Cipralex® was at least as effective as duloxetine at 24 weeks of treatment, the primary endpoint of the study (p=0.055, Cipralex® being numerically better than duloxetine)

* Patients treated with Cipralex® showed significantly better functioning in their work, family and social life at week eight and week 24, compared to duloxetine

* Cipralex® was better tolerated than duloxetine. Significantly more duloxetine patients withdrew from the study due to adverse events than those treated with Cipralex® (17 percent versus nine percent respectively)

* A post-hoc analysis of the study revealed that 68.8 percent of patients had an early onset of response with Cipralex® compared to only 54.8 percent of duloxetine-treated patients

About depression Depression is a very common, debilitating illness affecting around 121 million people worldwide. The symptoms of depression can be chronic or recurrent, and impact patients both mentally and physically. Depression has a significant impact on patient quality of life and imposes a considerable burden on society, yet it is still underrecognised and undertreated with less than 25 percent of those affected having access to effective treatment.

Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, guilt, loss of interest in activities, decreased energy, poor concentration, persistent physical symptoms such as headache and digestive disorders, and
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