Neurocrine’s Schizophrenia Drug Shows Mixed Results in Phase 2 Trial

Neurocrine Biosciences reported mixed results from a Phase 2 trial of its schizophrenia drug, NBI-1117568. The drug showed a significant reduction in symptoms only at the lowest dose tested (20 mg/day).
The trial met its primary endpoint with a 7.5-point improvement in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score compared to placebo at the 20 mg dose, but higher doses did not achieve statistical significance.
Despite the mixed results, Neurocrine plans to advance NBI-1117568 into a Phase 3 trial in early 2025.
The drug is part of a new class of mind-stabilizing medicines targeting muscarinic receptors, aiming to be as effective as older antipsychotics but with fewer side effects.
Bristol Myers Squibb's KarXT, a potential competitor, has shown stronger results in Phase 3 trials, with an 11.6-point placebo-adjusted PANSS reduction.
AbbVie's emraclidine is another competitor in mid-stage testing for schizophrenia and early-stage trial for psychosis tied to Alzheimer’s disease.
Neurocrine's stock dropped more than 20% following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the drug's efficacy and competitiveness.