Neurocrine Biosciences Announces Amendment to Strategic Collaboration with Takeda to Develop and Commercialize Osavampator (formerly NBI-1065845/TAK-653)

Core Insights - Neurocrine Biosciences has amended its agreement with Takeda, obtaining exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize osavampator, except in Japan where Takeda retains rights [1][2] - The collaboration aims to expedite the development of osavampator, a potential first-in-class treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), with plans to initiate a Phase 3 program in the first half of 2025 [2][4] - Osavampator is designed for patients with MDD who have not responded to at least one antidepressant, addressing a significant unmet medical need [4][5] Company Overview - Neurocrine Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders, with a diverse portfolio including FDA-approved therapies and a robust pipeline [6] - The company has a history of collaboration with Takeda, initially partnering in 2020 to develop compounds for depression and schizophrenia, including osavampator [3] Product Details - Osavampator is an investigational AMPA positive allosteric modulator, which has shown positive topline data in a Phase 2 study for MDD [4] - The drug targets a significant patient population, as over 21 million people in the U.S. suffer from MDD, with approximately one-third not responding to existing antidepressants [5]