A Study to Evaluate Symptomatic Remission in Schizophrenia With Long Acting Risperidone Microspheres

Although most of Korean schizophrenic patients currently take oral antipsychotic medications, it is estimated that up to 75% of them have difficulty adhering to daily oral regimen. Long-acting injectable formulation may eliminate this need for daily medication. This is a prospective, open-label, multicenter study to determine the long-term efficacy, especially symptomatic remission rate of long-acting risperidone microspheres administrered in the muscle at 2 week intervals in patients with schizophrenia.

The patients will receive intramuscular injections either 25, 37.5, 50 mg equivalent of risperidone at every 2 weeks for 1 year

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder - Subjects who have experienced relapse or re-admission previously - Subject and/or his/her relative, guardian or legal representative who has signed the informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• First antipsychotic treatment ever - On clozapine during the last 3 months - Serious unstable medical condition, including recent and present clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities - Subjects that are previously on concomitant use of Risperdal Consta within 60 days prior to entry - Previous sensitivity history to risperidone - History or current symptoms of tardive dyskinesia - History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome - Pregnant or breast-feeding female - Female patient of childbearing age without adequate contraception (adequate contraception includes: abstinence, oral contraceptive, intrauterine devices, barrier method (diaphragm or condom) plus spermicide - Norplant TM or Depo-Provera TM. A female patient of childbearing potential must have an adequate contraception and a negative urine pregnancy test at every visit)