WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal health officials say a schizophrenia drug from AstraZeneca also works against depression, though it carries risks of sudden heart death, according to analyst reports.

Seroquel XR is already used by millions of patients to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Now London-based AstraZeneca wants the Food and Drug Administration to approve the drug for depression and anxiety.

FDA scientists are weighing broader approval of Seroquel against its side effects, including heart death, weight gain and nervous tics, according to a note from Cowen and Co. analyst Steve Scala.

A panel of outside experts will offer guidance next week.

The FDA briefly posted its review of the drug online Friday but then removed the link.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.