Johnson & Johnson Discontinues Seltorexant Alzheimer’s Program and Trims Neuroscience Pipeline

Program Discontinuation:
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has discontinued its seltorexant program for Alzheimer's disease, a Phase II trial aimed at treating agitation and aggression in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease.

Neuroscience Portfolio Cuts:
J&J has also cut other neuroscience programs, including a Phase I treatment for Parkinson's disease (JNJ-0376) and a Phase II P2X7 antagonist (JNJ-55308942) for bipolar disorder.

Seltorexant Background:
Seltorexant, a selective orexin-2 receptor agonist, had shown positive outcomes in a Phase III trial as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) with insomnia symptoms but was being explored for Alzheimer's disease in a separate Phase II trial.

Financial Context:
The pipeline reductions come as J&J reports robust Q3 financial results for 2024, with significant growth in oncology medication sales, particularly from the myeloma treatment Darzalex.

Future Projections:
Despite initial predictions of blockbuster status for seltorexant, current projections suggest sales of $610 million by 2030, primarily based on its potential approval for depression rather than Alzheimer's disease.