Neurocrine’s depression candidate fails mid-stage study but analysis continues

US biotech Neurocrine Biosciences (Nasdaq: NBIX) said its Phase II trial of NBI-1070770 in adults with major depressive disorder failed to meet the primary endpoint against placebo, though the drug was well tolerated. The company said it will further analyze data to guide next steps.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 73 adults aged 18 to 65 whose depression had not improved with at least one prior antidepressant. Participants were assigned to receive one of three oral doses of NBI-1070770 or placebo for four weeks, with the main goal of measuring change in depression severity on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale by day five.

Chief medical officer Dr Sanjay Keswani said: “While we are disappointed that NBI-1070770 did not meet the primary endpoint, there are aspects of the data that warrant further exploration. Our team will continue to analyze these results so we can determine appropriate next steps.”