AA Pharma launches Lithium Carbonate SR 300mg for Bipolar Disorder in Canada

Lithium Carbonate extended formulation available for treatment of Bipolar Disorder

AA Pharma Inc., a leading distributor of pharmaceuticals in Canada, is pleased to announce the launch of LITHMAX, a sustained release formulation containing 300mg of lithium carbonate. LITHMAX is indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder, as well as the maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. This extended-release formulation is an AA Pharma Inc. exclusive and has been available in drugstores across Canada since January 2011. Lithmax is scheduled to be on most Provincial Government Formulary lists by the end of 2011, making LITHMAX a cost effective treatment option for Bipolar 1 and 2.

The extended-release formulation comes as exciting news to both patients and physicians of the Canadian mental health community because of the long absence of this formulation in the market. This formulation enables patients taking lithium to obtain peak plasma levels at about 50% lower than immediate release and subsequently experience far less side effects. In addition to this, there are far better continuous blood levels, making LITHMAX the drug of choice for Bipolar 1 and 2. "We have worked very hard to make this formulation available in Canada", explains Norman Paul, President of AA Pharma Inc. The clinical consequence of the unavailability of Lithium Carbonate SR 300mg in Canada has meant that up until now many patients have had difficulty in maintaining good health. Published data indicates that slower absorption of lithium carbonate SR produces fewer adverse effects than immediate release lithium products. The lower Cmax of the extended-release formulation means a convenient cost effective treatment with fewer adverse effects, and as a result greater compliance.