Ziprasidone (GEODON) represents Pfizers entry into the atypical antipsychotic market. As with most of the other atypicals, it was initially studied and registered for use in schizophrenia, with later studies leading to one or more bipolar indications. In October 2003, Pfizer filed with the US FDA for use of ziprasidone in the treatment of acute bipolar mania. Because of its association with QTc prolongation, which can lead to sudden death, the uptake of ziprasidone in the schizophrenia market has been disappointing. It can be expected that Pfizer will continue to try to position ziprasidone as a well-tolerated atypical antipsychotic that does not cause weight gain, to generalize the efficacy of more thoroughly studied atypicals (e.g. olanzapine) to their product, and to minimize the impact on the market of data on QTc prolongation and its associated risks.