Advances in atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia: new formulations and new agents.

Innovation in atypical antipsychotic agents continues with new preparations of available drugs as well as novel agents. In this article, we provide an update on these novel products by reviewing information from a computerised literature search, recent abstracts and discussions with industry representatives. A generic formulation of clozapine is now available. It may be less well absorbed and/or less effective than Clozaril, although evidence is conflicting. A fatty acid amide derivative of clozapine is in early development. A liquid formulation of risperidone is currently available, which may be a useful treatment for psychotic agitation as well as a preferable alternative to tablets for some patients. A depot formulation is in development for the long-term management of psychosis. An orally disintegrating tablet formulation of olanzepine is a useful alternative to standard tablets. A short-acting injectable formulation of the drug is in development for psychotic agitation. Sachets and slow-release formulations of quetiapine are in development. Ziprasidone, a recently launched agent, is available in tablet form for schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, psychotic depression and mania. A short-acting injectable formulation is in development for psychotic agitation. Aripiprazole (tablets) and iloperidone (tablets and depot injection) are two antipsychotics in development for schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (available information regarding iloperidone is very limited). These new formulations and agents should broaden options for the treatment of psychosis.