Labopharm's Oleptro approved by FDA

LAVAL, Quebec The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for treating major depressive disorder in adults.

Labopharm announced Wednesday the approval of Oleptro (trazodone hydrochloride) extended-release tablets. The drug is the second approved by the FDA to use Labopharm’s Contramid controlled-release technology, the first being the pain drug Ryzolt (tramadol hydrochloride), which the FDA approved in December 2008.

“We are excited about the opportunity for Oleptro and are preparing the product for launch into the $11 billion-plus U.S. antidepressant market,” Labopharm president James Howard-Tripp stated.