FDA appro for GSK's Paxil in post-traumatic stress disorder

GlaxoSmithKline has received US Food and Drug Administration approvalfor its antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine HCl) in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that is said to affect more than 16 million Americans.

Also sold as Seroxat in some countries, the drug achieved sales of L439 million ($630.1 million) for GSK in the third quarter of lst year (Marketletter October 29, 2001). The new indication is likely to boost sales of Paxil further.

GSK notes that, with this indication, Paxil is the first and only medication indicated to treat depression and all of the major anxiety disorders.