Schizophrenia is a chronic disease characterized by high disability and a high recurrence rate. Globally, there are approximately 24 million patients, with over 8 million in China.
Among the treatments, aripiprazole, a representative of the new generation of antipsychotic drugs, is recommended by multiple domestic and international guidelines due to its significant efficacy and relatively good safety profile. However, oral formulations require daily administration, and factors such as impaired cognitive function in patients often lead to missed or refused doses. Data shows that the treatment interruption rate for schizophrenia patients in China reaches 75%, with a relapse rate of 77% within one year after discharge and climbing to 90% within two years.
A newly launched drug, independently developed by Livzon Pharmaceutical over 8 years, is the first microsphere formulation of aripiprazole. It only requires a once-monthly intramuscular injection to maintain continuous effectiveness.
Data indicates that this new drug has a faster dissolution rate, enabling rapid and effective control of patient symptoms; the sustained-release material controls drug release, resulting in more stable blood drug concentrations; and it has a lower incidence of adverse reactions. These characteristics allow it to achieve the therapeutic goals of “high convenience, stable concentration, and low residue,” effectively addressing the three major pain points of poor compliance, fluctuating efficacy, and easy recurrence, thus providing a better treatment option for schizophrenia patients.
