Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) has announced the halting of late-stage studies for its potential depression treatment drug, aticaprant, due to insufficient efficacy. The drug was being tested as an add-on therapy for patients with major depressive disorder experiencing anhedonia, a symptom that causes a diminished ability to experience pleasure or interest in previously enjoyable activities.
This decision comes after Neumora Therapeutics' drug, navacaprant, a similar compound to aticaprant, also failed in a late-stage trial earlier this year. Despite this setback, J&J expressed intention to explore alternative avenues for further development of the drug to address unmet medical needs in other areas.
The pharmaceutical giant had recently made a significant move by acquiring Intra-Cellular Therapies for $14.6 billion to enhance its portfolio in brain disease treatments. With its flagship drug Stelara facing competition from generic versions, J&J is strategically focusing on newer treatments to propel future growth.
Notably, J&J's nasal spray, Spravato, has already received approval for standalone use in major depressive disorder, while another potential treatment, JNJ-5120, is in mid-stage development for the same indication.
Depression, also known as clinical depression, is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and despair. Full analyses of the aticaprant study are currently underway, and J&J plans to present the findings at upcoming medical conferences to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding treatment options for depression.