Health Canada approves Sunovion’s LATUDA NDA to treat schizophrenia

Jun 16 2012

Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. today announced that the New Drug Submission (NDS) for LATUDA™ (lurasidone HCl), for the treatment of adult patients with acute schizophrenia has been approved by Health Canada. "We are pleased that LATUDA has achieved this significant milestone," said Douglas Reynolds, President, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "More importantly, LATUDA will provide patients in Canada suffering from schizophrenia a new option that can help support their treatment goals for this serious and complex disorder."

"Schizophrenia is a disease that is complex and a challenge to treat effectively," said Dr. Philip Tibbo, Psychiatrist at Capital District Health Authority and Director of the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program in Halifax. "Each person suffering from schizophrenia is different, and new treatment options are always needed.  Effective, individualized treatment that offers a balance between efficacy, safety and tolerability can help support each patient to reach their treatment goals."

"It is important to always have a number of treatment options available for those living with schizophrenia." said Chris Summerville, Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.  "Schizophrenia is treatable, and individual patient recovery is possible.  More choice in finding the right medication is vital, and having more treatment options accessible to patients by all private and public drug plans in Canada can help greatly in supporting their recovery process."