“This drug is of historical significance in Hungarian industry, as this is the only Hungarian-developed drug whose complete development process was directed from Hungary, and whose favorable economic effects stemming from its exceptional success also are felt in Hungary,” said Dr. Péter Ferdinandy, President of the Hungarian Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, and Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation at Semmelweis University, about Gedeon Richter’s drug in the online broadcast of the award ceremony held in the Semmelweis Salon. Cariprazine is a drug with a unique range of uses, its efficacy has been demonstrated not only in the treatment of the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia but also in the therapy for mixed episodes of acute manic disorder, acute depression and acute bipolar disorder in clinical trials, and the spectrum of its side effects is also very favorable. The product has been integrated in patient care worldwide, noted Dr. Ferdinandy.
Upon receiving the award, Erik Bogsch, Chairman of the Board of Gedeon Richter Nyrt noted that such results require excellent professionals, researchers and developed, but collaboration with other institutions, such as universities and research institutes is also very important. Gedeon Richter, which was established 119 years ago in 1901, is present on five continents with 200 products, with original research, biotechnology and gynecology being the company’s main strategic pillars. In terms of research and development, it is considered the biggest innovation base in the region, noted Erik Bogsch. “Special attention must be paid to research and development activities, which enables us to create high intellectual added value for the country, which, in turn, is one of the key elements in maintaining and increasing competitiveness. The success of cariprazine goes well beyond Richter. It also has historical significance for the Hungarian pharmaceutical industry and medicine, as it is the first original product developed in Hungary to be introduced on the US market,” said Bogsch.
The cariprazine molecule was discovered by Richter researchers in the early 2000s and was further developed in collaboration with Forest Laboratories. Since its launch in March 2016, more than 320,000 patients have been treated with it and more than 2 million prescriptions have been made in the US.
The Medicine of the Year Award was established by MFT in 1997 with the intention of using its professional prestige to promote a noble cause, the spread of the most advanced, most effective and most patient-friendly pharmaceutical products in the treatment of patients in Hungary. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and/or distributors registered in Hungary can apply for the Medicine of the Year competition with a medicinal product that has a marketing authorization in the EU and/or Hungary.
Ádám Szabó
Translation: Tamás Deme
Photo: Gedeon Richter Nyrt
