FDA accepts NDA for Aricept patch

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. The Food and Drug Administration has accepted for review a regulatory approval application for a patch made by Eisai to treat Alzheimer’s disease, the drug maker said Friday.

The agency will review a patch formulation of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride), a weekly patch for treating mild, moderate and severe stages of the disease. The drug already is available in tablet form.

If the patch is approved, Eisai will have marketing rights in the United States and promote the patch under a partnership with Pfizer.