J&J Depression Drug JNJ-5120 Flunks Phase 2 Trial

Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) depression drug candidate JNJ-5120 has missed its primary endpoint in a phase 2 trial, dealing a blow to the prospects of the Contineum Therapeutics-partnered treatment.

The study, which involved 107 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), randomized them to receive one of two JNJ-5120 regimens or placebo. At Day 5, patients receiving JNJ-5120 performed no better on a depression scale than those on placebo, causing the trial to miss its primary endpoint.

William Blair analysts had put the success rate at 35% and have since removed JNJ-5120 from their model. However, investors appeared sanguine about the setback, sending Contineum's share price down just 3.5% to $14.30 in after-hours trading.