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Lilly bipolar drug OK'd
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March 17, 2000: 3:57 p.m. ET
FDA approves use of anti-psychotic medication Zyprexa, a mood stabilizer
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. received regulatory approval Friday to market the anti-psychotic medication Zyprexa, the company's second-biggest selling drug, for treatment of manic depression.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Zyprexa for the short-term treatment of acute manic episodes associated with manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder. About 3 million Americans suffer from the illness, which is characterized by violent mood swings and periods of depression.
"In short-term clinical trials, it appears that Zyprexa acts as a mood stabilizer to manage the manic phase of bipolar illness easily, safely and effectively," said Dr. Mauricio Tohen, lead investigator at Lilly Research Laboratories. "Additionally, unlike some other medications, Zyprexa does not require blood monitoring."
Zyprexa was introduced in 1996 for treatment of psychotic disorders in schizophrenia patients. The drug has been prescribed to about 4 million people worldwide and recorded 1999 sales of about $1.89 billion, making it the company's biggest product after depression treatment Prozac. Prozac had 1999 sales of $2.61 billion.
Shares of Indianapolis-based Lilly (LLY: Research, Estimates) slipped 3-1/16 to 61-11/16 on the New York Stock Exchange Friday afternoon, amid a widespread sell-off off pharmaceutical stocks after several days of strong gains. 
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Eli Lilly & Co.
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