Neuphoria’s Social Anxiety Drug Fails in Phase 3 Trial, Program Discontinued

Neuphoria Therapeutics’ lead candidate, BNC210 (soclenicant), failed to meet the primary endpoint in a double-blind phase 3 trial (AFFIRM-1) for acute treatment of social anxiety disorder13.

The trial measured changes on an industry distress scale during a public speaking challenge but did not show statistically significant improvement over placebo, nor did it meet secondary endpoints13.

As a result, Neuphoria has discontinued further development of BNC210 for social anxiety disorder and is launching a strategic review of the company1.

The drug’s safety and tolerability remained favorable, but efficacy was insufficient1.

Neuphoria plans to assess BNC210’s potential in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), citing previous positive data with chronic dosing13.

The company’s stock dropped significantly—down 67%—after the announcement1.

Neuphoria remains partnered with Merck on other programs, including a phase 2 Alzheimer’s study1.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/neuphoria-nixes-social-anxiety-program-and-starts-strategic-review-after-ph-3-flop

3. https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/neuphorias-social-anxiety-drug-flunks-late-stage-trial