J&J/Alkermes' Risperdal Consta approved in Japan

Risperdal Consta (risperidone long-acting injection) has been approved in Japan for the treatment of schizophrenia. The drug,  developed by US health care major Johnson & Johnson and formulated by US  firm Alkermes, is the first long-acting atypical antipsychotic to be  available in Japan. J&J's Janssen Pharmaceutica KK unit expects to  launch the product promptly after its listing on the National Health  Insurance Drug Price Standard. Under the development and supply  agreement between J&J and Alkermes, the former is responsible for  worldwide sales and marketing of the product. Alkermes will undertake  manufacturing and receives fees and royalties.