Neumora’s prospects dim for κ-opioid program after first Phase III readout

Disappointing data from the first of three Phase III trials of Neumora’s KOR antagonist navacaprant to treat major depressive disorder slashed most of the biotech’s value on Thursday. The company did identify a potential efficacy signal in the study’s female participants, raising the possibility that blocking the target could have different effects in women than in men.

Results from the KOASTAL-1 trial showed no significant improvement for navacaprant compared with placebo on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the study’s primary endpoint. Navacaprant also did not lead to a significant benefit on the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) scale, which measures anhedonia in patients with major depressive disorder; the KOR class has been touted as a potential treatment for MDD patients who have an inability to feel pleasure...