FDA OKs Abilify as maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a psychiatric drug for treating bipolar disorder when used in combination with one of two other drugs.

The FDA approved Abilify (aripiprazole), made by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical, as an adjunct to lithium or valproate for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder.

The FDA approved Abilify as an adjunct to lithium or valproate for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in May 2008. The drug also is approved as a stand-alone treatment for the disorder.