Neuroscience
Our strategic objective
We aim to strengthen our position in neuroscience through further growth of Seroquel and Seroquel XR and by the successful introduction of a range of new medicines aimed at significant medical need in psychiatry, analgesia (pain control) and cognition (including Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive disorders in schizophrenia).
- Seroquel sales up 9% to over $4.45 billion.
- Seroquel XR approved in the US for acute bipolar depression, acute bipolar mania and bipolar maintenance.
- Seroquel XR approved under the European Mutual Recognition Procedure for the treatment of acute bipolar depression and acute bipolar mania in October. Seroquel also approved at the same time for the treatment of acute bipolar depression.
- FDA Complete Response Letter received on Seroquel XR for Major Depressive Disorder in December.
- Regulatory submissions made for Seroquel XR for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and for Generalised Anxiety Disorder in both the US and EU.
- Summary Judgment Motion granted to AstraZeneca in the patent infringement actions commenced against two generic drug manufacturers in the US following abbreviated new drug applications relating to Seroquel.
- Separate lawsuits filed in the US against third party manufacturers relating to infringement of the Seroquel XR patents.
- Personal injury actions in the US and Canada involving Seroquel being defended vigorously.
Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is an atypical anti-psychotic drug approved for the treatment of adult schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (mania, depression and maintenance).
Zomig (zolmitriptan) is for the treatment of migraine with or without aura.
Diprivan (propofol) is an intravenous general anaesthetic used in the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, light sedation for diagnostic procedures and for intensive care sedation.
Naropin (ropivacaine) is a long-acting local anaesthetic, replacing the previous standard treatment of bupivacaine.
Xylocaine (lidocaine) is a widely used short-acting local anaesthetic.
EMLA (lidocaine + prilocaine) is a local anaesthetic for topical application.
THERAPY AREA WORLD MARKET (MAT/Q3/08)
The Neuroscience world market totals $134 billion.
The medical need in Neuroscience is significant. Depression and anxiety disorders remain under-diagnosed and under-treated, with 15% of the population suffering from major depression at least once in their lives. Schizophrenia affects around 1% of the adult population, and 17 million people suffer from bipolar disorder across the major markets. Chronic pain affects over 20% of the population and pain management is the most common reason for seeking medical care. Alzheimer's disease affects approximately 24 million people worldwide (predicted to reach 40 million by 2020). Current therapy does not significantly change the course of this progressive neuro-degenerative disorder.
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