Biohaven’s BHV-7000 Ion Channel Drug Fails Phase 2 Trial in Major Depressive Disorder

BHV-7000, a selective Kv7.2/7.3 potassium channel activator, failed to meet the primary endpoint in a phase 2 proof-of-concept trial for major depressive disorder (MDD), showing no significant reduction in depressive symptoms via the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) over 6 weeks compared to placebo.123

Biohaven will abandon all psychiatric development to focus resources on immunology, obesity, and epilepsy programs in 2026, following this failure and a prior phase 2/3 bipolar mania trial miss in March 2025.123

Subgroup analyses showed trends favoring BHV-7000 in patients with severe depression, but these are considered hypothesis-generating only; additional analyses ongoing with results to be presented at a scientific meeting.123

BHV-7000 continues in epilepsy trials, with phase 2/3 results expected in the first half of 2026.2

Sources:

1. https://www.tabletscapsules.com/3639-News/623459-Biohaven-Drug-Fails-in-Major-Depressive-Disorder/

2. https://fintool.com/news/biohaven-depression-trial-failure

3. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/phase-2-proof-of-concept-study-evaluating-bhv-7000-for-major-depressive-disorder-fails-to-meet-primary-endpoint