Neuralstem sags after Phase II miss in MDD

Neuralstem Inc. (NASDAQ:CUR) fell $2.77 (50%) to $2.81 on Tuesday after it said lead compound NSI-189 missed the primary endpoint in a Phase II trial to treat major depressive disorder. Compared to placebo, NSI-189 failed to significantly reduce depression symptoms as measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).

The study evaluated once- and twice-daily doses of NSI-189, a small molecule benzylpiperazine aminiopyridine that stimulates neurogenesis. Compared to placebo, the once-daily dose significantly improved patient-rated Symptoms of Depression Questionnaire (SDQ) score, a secondary endpoint (p=0.044). Neuralstem said both doses of NSI-189 were well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported...