Citalopram Launched In USA By Forest

Forest Laboratories has launched the selective serotonin reuptakeinhibitor Celexa (citalopram) for the treatment of patients with depression in the USA, where it will be copromoted by Parke-Davis. Citalopram, originally developed by Lundbeck of Denmark, is the best-selling antidepressant in eight European countries, as well as five others worldwide. One of the key features of citalopram is its tolerability and low tendency for drug-drug interactions.

According to Lundbeck's recently-issued annual report for 1997, sales of citalopram last year totaled 1.6 billion Danish kroner ($233 million), an increase of 30% on the previous year. Sales of the drug doubled in France, Germany and the UK in 1997, compared to the drug's 1996 performance. The antidepressant is an important product for Lundbeck, accounting for 60% of total group sales in 1997. In the USA, the market for antidepressants is forecast to reach $6 billion in 1998.