Biogen and Sage Therapeutics Announce Global Collaboration to Develop and Commercialize Potential Breakthrough Therapies in Depression and Movement Disorders - Seite 3

Zuranolone is a next-generation positive allosteric modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) receptor. The GABA_A system is the major inhibitory signaling pathway of the brain and central nervous system (CNS), and contributes significantly to regulating CNS function. This mechanism of action is a novel approach that may enable a new class of antidepressants.

To date, two positive pivotal studies have been completed with zuranolone 30 mg, one in MDD (MDD-201) and one in PPD (ROBIN Study). Additionally, while the Phase 3 MOUNTAIN Study of zuranolone in MDD did not meet its primary endpoint, the encouraging data from the recently announced MOUNTAIN six-month follow-up period and the topline interim SHORELINE Study analysis, suggest the potential for zuranolone, if successfully developed and approved, to be uniquely positioned as a disruptive, distinct and novel treatment approach for patients. Biogen and Sage believe that zuranolone is clinically active in MDD based on the data compiled to date and look forward to planned data readouts in 2021.

Sage is pursuing three development pathways for zuranolone in the U.S.: PPD; acute rapid response therapy (RRT) in MDD when co-initiated with new standard antidepressant therapy; and “as-needed,” or episodic, treatment of MDD. As a result, Sage is advancing four additional pivotal studies evaluating a 50 mg dose of zuranolone: a Phase 3 study in PPD (SKYLARK, PPD-301), a Phase 3 study of use as an acute RRT in patients with MDD when co-initiated with new standard antidepressant therapy (CORAL, MDD-305), a Phase 3 study in the acute treatment of MDD (WATERFALL, MDD-301B) and an open label Phase 3 study evaluating the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of “as-needed” repeat treatment (SHORELINE, MDD-303). Data from these studies are expected in 2021.

Upon closing of the transaction, Biogen and Sage will collaborate to further define the development and commercialization strategy for zuranolone. Beyond PPD and MDD, zuranolone may also have potential in other psychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

SAGE-324 is a next-generation positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors in Phase 2 development for essential tremor with potential in other neurological conditions such as epilepsy and PD. Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders estimated to affect over six million patients in the U.S., and current standard of care may be inadequate for many. Following encouraging results from a Phase 1 open-label study in essential tremor, Sage advanced SAGE-324 to the Phase 2a KINETIC Study, which Sage is currently conducting. The KINETIC Study is a 28-day placebo-controlled study in patients with essential tremor expected to read out in 2021. Upon closing of the transaction, Biogen and Sage will collaborate to further define the development and commercialization strategy for SAGE-324 in essential tremor and, as appropriate, for potential expansion into other neurological disorders.