FDA APPROVES NOVARTIS' TREATMENT FOR DEMENTIA IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

The FDA has approved Novartis' drug Exelon for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. The medication was previously approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

The new approval is based on the results of a randomized clinical trial in which Exelon was shown to be significantly more efficacious than placebo in 541 Parkinson's disease patients with dementia.

Exelon sales were $172 million in 2005, said the company.