Asenapine

Asenapine is a new 5-HT2A- and D2-receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of schizophrenia and acute mania associated with bipolar disorder by Schering-Plough after its November 19, 2007 combination with Organon International. Development of the drug, through Phase III trials, began while Organon was still a part of Akzo Nobel. Preliminary data indicate that it has minimal anticholinergic and cardiovascular side effects, as well as minimal weight gain. Over 3000 patients have participated in clinical trials of asenapine, and the FDA accepted the manufacturer's NDA on November 26, 2007 for standard review.

Asenapine belongs to a class of neuroleptics known as "atypical antipsychotics", which have, over the last two decades, become increasingly popular alternatives to "typical antipsychotics", such as haloperidol. The manufacturers of asanapine refer to it as a "new generation" or "second generation" atypical antipsychotic.

Other atypical antipsychotics include aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone.

Commercial

 * Organon website

Third-party

 * Organon Continues With The Development Of Asenapine For Schizophrenia And Acute Mania Associated With Bipolar I Disorder