Lilly’s new depression drug beats out Paxil

New York, Nov 20: Drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co on Monday released clinical trial data showing that its experimental antidepressant, duloxetine, was more effective in reducing depressive symptoms than popular treatment Paxil, made by GlaxoSmithKline Plc. Lilly’s research showed that 80 milligrams (mg) of duloxetine per day was significantly more effective than 20 mg per day of Paxil, using a scale to measure depression.

GlaxoSmithKline officials in the United States were not immediately available for comment. It said that the 60 mg per day dosage demonstrated efficacy similar to the 80 mg per day treatment, so patients may end up taking 60 mg per day if the drug is approved.The new drug demonstrated improvements over placebo that were significant in reducing overall pain.

— Reuters