Lurasidone effective in treating schizophrenia, company said

OSAKA, Japan An investigational drug was effective in treating patients with schizophrenia, according to late-stage clinical trial results announced Wednesday.

Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. said participants in a 2,000-patient phase 3 trial receiving daily 40-mg and 120-mg doses of lurasidone experienced greater improvement than those taking placebo.

“We are pleased with the results of this study as these data reinforce our belief that lurasidone will be an important treatment option for patients with schizophrenia,” Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma CEO Masayo Tada said in a statement.

Tada said the company would submit a regulatory approval application to the Food and Drug Administration early next year.