Positive results from levomilnacipran Phase III study for major depressive disorder

Jul 18 2011

Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: FRX) and Pierre Fabre Medicament today announced preliminary top-line results from a Phase III study of levomilnacipran for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Analyses of the data indicate a statistically significant improvement was achieved for levomilnacipran treated patients for all dose groups compared to placebo on the primary efficacy endpoint which was change from baseline to end of week 8 in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale-Clinician Rated (MADRS-CR) total score. Further analyses of the data are ongoing.

“Depressed patients often struggle to find the right antidepressant and the need for new medications is high. These positive Phase III results are very encouraging and support the continued research of levomilnacipran in adult patients with major depressive disorder”

"Depressed patients often struggle to find the right antidepressant and the need for new medications is high. These positive Phase III results are very encouraging and support the continued research of levomilnacipran in adult patients with major depressive disorder," said Dr. Marco Taglietti, Senior Vice President, Research & Development and President, Forest Research Institute.

This study is part of the ongoing development program for levomilnacipran for the treatment of MDD, which also includes a Phase III flexible-dose study reported in January 2011. Results from two additional placebo-controlled Phase III studies are expected at the end of this year and spring 2012, respectively.