
First Patient Dosed in Phase 2 Clinical Trial of NBI-1070770 for MDD
“The selectivity of NBI-1070770 for the NMDA NR2B receptor may benefit patients with moderate to severe depression.”
The first patient has been randomized in a phase 2 clinical trial (NBI-1070770-MDD2029) assessing the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of investigational compound NBI-1070770 in adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
NBI-1070770 is a novel, selective, orally active negative allosteric modulator (NAM) targeting the NR2B subunit-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA NR2B) receptor.1
“Based upon our phase 1 first-in-human study, we are excited to bring this novel oral compound, which acts through a clinically validated mechanism of action, into clinical development as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder,” said Eiry W. Roberts, MD, chief medical officer at NBI-1070770 developer Neurocrine Biosciences Inc, in a press release. “The selectivity of NBI-1070770 for the NMDA NR2B receptor has the potential to benefit patients who have moderate to severe depression.”
The phase 2 trial is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study expected to enroll approximately 72 adults across various centers in the United States. Its primary objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NBI-1070770 compared with placebo in improving depressive symptoms, as assessed by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale.1
In the trial, participants will be divided into 4 groups: 1 receiving a low dose of NBI-1070770, 1 receiving a medium dose of NBI-1070770, 1 receiving a high dose of NBI-1070770, and 1 receiving a matching placebo. The trial is currently enrolling at Neurocrine Clinical Sites in Gaithersburg, Maryland; Lemon Grove, California; Rogers, Arkansas; Hollywood, Florida; and Long Beach, California.2
The key inclusion criteria for participation in the trial include2:
- Participants must have a primary diagnosis of either recurrent MDD or persistent MDD.
- Participants who are currently undergoing pharmacological treatment for depression must have been taking their current antidepressant medication(s) for a minimum of 8 weeks prior to screening. They also must express willingness and ability to continue with their current antidepressant medication(s).
- Participants must demonstrate willingness and ability to adhere to all study procedures and restrictions throughout the duration of the trial.
The key exclusion criteria for participation in the trial include2:
- Participants cannot be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study period.
- Participants cannot have any unstable medical conditions or unstable chronic diseases.
- Participants cannot have a history of neurological abnormalities.
- Participants cannot have a current or past diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder other than MDD that was the primary focus of treatment.
- Participants cannot have depressive symptoms that have previously shown nonresponse to an adequate course of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy.
- Participants cannot have been diagnosed with any alcohol or substance use disorders.
For further details about the NBI-1070770-MDD2029 phase 2 clinical study, visit
Interested in learning more about the latest news in MDD and other mood disorders? In case you missed it, the March content theme in Psychiatric Times® was mood disorders including MDD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Here are some highlights from the month:
Stay up-to-date on news related to research on promising new interventions and developments in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric disorders at
Note: This article was prepared with the assistance of ChatGPT.
References
1. Neurocrine Biosciences announces first-patient dosed in phase 2 clinical study evaluating NBI-1070770 in adults with major depressive disorder. BioSpace. News release. April 3, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2024.
2. A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NBI-1070770 in adults with major depressive disorder. CTV. Updated March 25, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2024.
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