Novartis, Servier form licensing agreement for novel antidepressant

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., March 29 - Novartis AG and Servier announced the signing of a licensing agreement for agomelatine, a phase 3 investigational drug under development as a once-daily treatment for major depressive disorder.

The novel melatonergic antidepressant acts as an agonist at MT1 and MT2 receptors, according to a company news release.

The agreement gives Novartis exclusive rights to further develop and market agomelatine in the United States and several other countries. Servier retained the rights to develop and market agomelatine in the rest of the world.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"This collaboration shows our commitment to invest in promising and innovative compounds like agomelatine to further strengthen our portfolio," said James Shannon, head of development at Novartis Pharma AG.

"With the initiation of a clinical development program for agomelatine in the United States, Novartis will be able to build on its leadership position in neurology and potentially become a key player in the field of psychiatric disorders such as depression."

Servier has conducted several double-blind, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled phase 3 studies on the efficacy, tolerability and safety of agomelatine.

Adverse events experienced in patients treated with agomelatine during these studies were comparable to a placebo.

According to the release, about one out of 10 adults in the United States will suffer from a depressive illness each year. Only 50% of those suffering will be diagnosed and only 22% will be adequately treated with an antidepressant.

Novartis discovers, develops and markets products to treat patients, ease suffering and enhance the quality of life. The company is based in Basel, Switzerland.

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