Pfizer Gains Approval For Geodon Adjunct Therapy

Pfizer received approval from the FDA for Geodon (ziprasidone HCI) Capsules for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder as an adjunct to lithium or valproate in adults. The approval is based on clinical data demonstrating that Geodon is an effective and generally well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for long-term symptom control in patients with bipolar disorder.

The efficacy and safety of Geodon for the adjunctive maintenance treatment were studied in a six-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 240 adult patients with bipolar I disorder. The primary endpoint was time to recurrence of a mood episode requiring intervention. The data demonstrated that Geodon plus lithium or valproate was superior to placebo plus lithium or valproate in increasing the time to recurrence of a mood episode. The adjunctive Geodon treatment regimen was generally well-tolerated.

“The recurrence of mood episodes associated with bipolar disorder can have a devastating impact on patients’ lives,” said Dr. Ilise Lombardo, senior medical director, Pfizer Specialty Care. “This approval underscores Pfizer’s commitment to supporting people suffering from serious mental health disorders.”

Geodon is also FDA-approved for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features, and for the treatment of schizophrenia.