Allergan Buys NMDA drug for $560 Million

Allergan says yes to CNS (central nervous system) and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) modulating drugs for depression, with the purchase of private company Naurex for $560 million.  We previously wrote about NMDA drugs and Naurex here, NMDA Receptor Modulators.  NMDA drugs are rapidly gaining press as mono and adjunct therapy for depression patients.  Avanir is currently in a phase 2 clinical trial with their NMDA modulator AVP-786, as an adjunctive therapy in patients with Major Depressive Disorder, with an inadequate response to anti depressant treatment. Avanir will complete their phase 2 clinical trial in the first half of 2016.  Naurex has already tested NRX-1074 as an IV as adjunctive in a phase 2 study for patients with Major Depressive Disorder.  Next, the company will test an oral NRX-1074 in a planned phase 2 clinical trial as mono-therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Bottom Line:  At this point we have no idea how NRX-1074 oral will perform, compared to their completed intravenous phase 2 clinical trial for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Avanir with drug AVP-786, is most likely two years ahead of NRX-1074 in the clinical trial process. Thank you for reading.