The results of a large clinical trial of schizophrenia drugs were published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week. The study found that Seroquel, the dominant drug on the market, and other newer treatments were no better than the older generic drug perphenazine at controlling schizophrenic symptoms despite their higher cost. The study also found that Seroquel had the highest dropout rate among users, with 82% of users discontinuing treatment within 18 months of their first dose.

Similar results were seen for Eli Lilly and Co.’s Zyprexa, Johnson & Johnson’s Risperdal, and Pfizer, Inc.’s Gedeon.

Source: Ben Hirschler, “Critical drug study tarnishes Astra star Seroquel,” Reuters, September 20, 2005.