Novartis (NYSE: NVS), the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, has decided to hold the Phase II clinical study for its drug candidate MIJ821, which is being developed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation, as noted by a company spokesperson in an email to overseas media. This marks the second time this month that Novartis has terminated an acquired pipeline.
Background on Novartis’ Acquisition and Pipeline
In December 2020, Novartis acquired US neuroscience pharma Cadent Therapeutics for USD 210 million, along with a commitment to a USD 560 million milestone payment. Through this acquisition, Novartis obtained the rights to CAD-9303, a drug for schizophrenia then in Phase I, CAD-1883, a dyskinesia candidate, and MIJ821, a potential depression drug. However, a spokesperson clarified that Novartis had never publicly included CAD-9303 and CAD-1883 in its product line. MIJ821, designed to mimic the effects of ketamine with a lower probability of dissociation, remains Novartis’s only MDD drug candidate.
Novartis’ Neuroscience Portfolio
Novartis’ other neuroscience products primarily target conditions such as migraine, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and spinal muscular atrophy, among others.
Recent Clinical Program Cancellations
As of Q1 2023, Novartis has discontinued several clinical programs, including the PD-1 monoclonal antibody spartalizumab (Phase III), COVID-19 drug Ensovibep (Phase II), cognitive impairment candidate drug ADPT06 (Phase II), and NASH drug FIA58, among others. These cancellations reflect the company’s strategic reassessment of its pipeline and commitment to focusing on the most promising therapeutic areas.
Conclusion
The termination of the MIJ821 Phase II study for MDD is a significant decision for Novartis, impacting their pipeline in the neuroscience space. It remains to be seen how this will influence the company’s future drug development strategies and their continued focus on addressing unmet needs in neuroscience.-Fineline Info & Tech
