J&J Stops Phase 3 Depression Drug Program

Johnson & Johnson is discontinuing the Phase 3 VENTURA development program evaluating aticaprant as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder due to a lack of sufficient efficacy data in the target patient population. “The data confirmed aticaprant is safe and well-tolerated, and no new safety signals were identified,” the company says. “Based on the potential for this mechanism, the company will explore future development opportunities for aticaprant in other areas of high unmet need.”

Aticaprant is characterized as a kappa opioid receptor antagonist. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), kappa opioid receptor antagonists work to antagonize the kappa opioid receptors in the brain, according to the company. These receptor are often linked to dysphoria, stress, and the regulation of mood and anxiety, it adds.