Intra-Cellular Therapies Announces Positive Phase 3 Topline Results from Study 501 Evaluating Lumateperone as Adjunctive Therapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Rhea-AI Summary

Intra-Cellular Therapies announces positive Phase 3 results for lumateperone as adjunctive therapy in patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Lumateperone 42 mg showed significant efficacy in primary and key secondary endpoints, with favorable safety and tolerability. The study demonstrated statistically significant reductions in depression symptoms compared to placebo, with a promising safety profile.

Positive

• Lumateperone 42 mg achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful results in both primary and key secondary endpoints.
• Positive Phase 3 results demonstrated a reduction in the MADRS total score compared to placebo at Week 6.
• Lumateperone 42 mg also showed significant improvements in the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of Illness at Week 6.
• The study revealed statistically significant efficacy at the earliest time point tested (Week 1) and maintained throughout the study.
• Favorable safety and tolerability profile consistent with prior lumateperone trials.
• Conference call scheduled for further discussion of results.
• 485 patients were randomized to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lumateperone as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressants in patients with MDD.
• Common adverse events included dry mouth, fatigue, and tremor, which were mostly mild to moderate and resolved quickly.
• Dr. Sharon Mates, Chairman and CEO, expressed optimism about establishing CAPLYTA as a first-choice treatment for mood disorders.
• Dr. Suresh Durgam, Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the need for efficacious treatments with favorable safety profiles in MDD patients.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The success of lumateperone in Phase 3 trials as an adjunctive therapy in MDD patients is a pivotal moment for Intra-Cellular Therapies. The reported reduction in MADRS total score and the CGI-S score, along with the early onset of efficacy, is promising. From a medical standpoint, the dual action of addressing both the symptoms and the illness severity could be a game-changer for patients not responding adequately to standard antidepressants. Lumateperone's distinct mechanism of action, which modulates serotonin, dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission, may offer an advantage over current treatments that primarily target only one neurotransmitter system.

Financial Analyst

Lumateperone's robust Phase 3 trial results are likely to act as a catalyst for Intra-Cellular Therapies' stock price. Investors should note the positive effect size and favorable safety profile, which will be key in the drug's market penetration and competitive positioning. Given the prevalence of MDD and the substantial portion of the population that is underserved by current treatments, there's a significant market opportunity. The potential label expansion for CAPLYTA could lead to upward revisions in sales forecasts and possibly attract partnership or acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies seeking to enhance their CNS portfolios.

Biotech Market Analyst

For the biotech sector, a new treatment for MDD with a favorable safety profile like lumateperone can disrupt the current market dynamics. Biotech investors often look for treatments that fill unmet medical needs, which lumateperone appears to address. It's essential to recognize the regulatory path ahead, including potential FDA scrutiny, which can influence market entry timing. The anticipation of Study 502 results later this year will keep the investment community watchful, as consecutive successful trials can solidify lumateperone's market potential and contribute to Intra-Cellular Therapies' valuation.

Lumateperone 42 mg achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful results in both the primary and the key secondary endpoints

Lumateperone 42 mg met the primary endpoint of change from baseline at Week 6 on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score versus placebo (4.9 point reduction v. placebo; p<0.0001; Cohen’s d effect size (ES)= 0.61)

Lumateperone 42 mg also met the key secondary endpoint of change from baseline at Week 6 on the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of Illness (CGI-S) (p<0.0001; ES= 0.67)

Statistically significant efficacy was seen at the earliest time point tested (Week 1) and maintained throughout the study in both the primary and the key secondary endpoints

Statistically significant efficacy was also seen in the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self- Report (QIDS-SR) scale, a patient self-reported measure of symptom severity of depression (p<0.0001)

Favorable safety and tolerability profile generally consistent with prior lumateperone trials

Conference call scheduled today at 8:30 a.m. ET

NEW YORK, April 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ITCI), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced positive topline results from Study 501 evaluating lumateperone 42 mg as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Topline results from our second Phase 3 study, Study 502, are anticipated late in the second quarter of this year.

“The positive Phase 3 results in MDD represent a significant step towards our goal of further establishing CAPLYTA as a first-choice treatment across mood disorders,” said Dr. Sharon Mates, Chairman and CEO of Intra-Cellular Therapies. “We believe that these robust efficacy results coupled with its favorable safety and tolerability profile and convenient dosing make CAPLYTA a compelling option as an adjunctive treatment for MDD, if approved. At ITCI, we are committed to bringing improved treatment options to patients with major neuropsychiatric conditions through our efforts to expand CAPLYTA’s label and advance our pipeline.”

Lumateperone 42 mg given once daily as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants met the primary endpoint in Study 501 by demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the MADRS total score compared to placebo at Week 6. In the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) study population, the least squares (LS) mean reduction from baseline for lumateperone 42 mg was 14.7 points, versus 9.8 points for placebo (LS mean difference = -4.9 points; p<0.0001; ES= 0.61).

Lumateperone 42 mg also met the key secondary endpoint in the study by demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the CGI-S score compared to placebo at Week 6 (p<0.0001; ES= 0.67).

Statistically significant efficacy was seen at the earliest time point tested (Week 1) and maintained throughout the study in both the primary and the key secondary endpoints.

In this study, lumateperone 42 mg robustly improved depressive symptoms as reported by patients as measured by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report (QIDS-SR-16) (p<0.0001). The QIDS-SR-16 is a 16-item patient-rated scale of symptom severity in depression. It assesses nine key symptoms of depression: insomnia/hypersomnia, low mood, appetite/weight changes, impaired self-perception, concentration difficulties, loss of interest/pleasure, suicidal ideation, psychomotor agitation and fatigue.

In this study, 485 patients were randomized (1:1) to lumateperone 42 mg plus antidepressant or placebo plus antidepressant to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lumateperone as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressants in patients with MDD. The baseline MADRS total score was 30.4 for lumateperone 42 mg and 30.0 for placebo.

Lumateperone was generally safe and well-tolerated in this study. The most commonly reported adverse events that were observed at a rate greater than or equal to 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo in the total population were dry mouth (10.8%), fatigue (9.5%) and tremor (5.0%). Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate and resolved within a short period of time. These adverse events were similar to those seen in prior studies of lumateperone as a treatment for bipolar depression and schizophrenia.

“MDD is a highly prevalent condition and there is a need for efficacious treatments with favorable safety and tolerability profiles given the majority of patients do not benefit from their initial therapy or suffer from side effects associated with existing therapies,” said Dr. Suresh Durgam, Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of Intra-Cellular Therapies. “In this Phase 3 study, lumateperone demonstrated a robust effect as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressants in patients with MDD who had inadequate response to antidepressant therapy. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence of lumateperone’s efficacy and safety across mood disorders.”

About Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder in the U.S. affecting an estimated 21 million adults each year. MDD represents the primary cause of disability in the world. Symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, feelings of guilt, irritability, loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, cognitive impairment, disturbed sleep patterns, and suicide ideation or behavior. It can cause severe functional impairment, adversely affecting interpersonal relationships, and may impact quality of life. Approximately two-thirds of patients with depression failed to achieve remission with first-line treatment.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

The Company will host a live conference call and webcast today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time to discuss the results of Study 501. To attend the live conference call by phone please use this registration link. All participants must use the link to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call.

The live and archived webcast can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investors section of the Company's website at www.intracellulartherapies.com. Please log in approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the event to register and to download and install any necessary software.

CAPLYTA® (lumateperone) is indicated in adults for the treatment of schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder (bipolar depression) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate.

Important Safety Information

Boxed Warnings:

• Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. CAPLYTA is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
• Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adults in short-term studies. All antidepressant-treated patients should be closely monitored for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The safety and effectiveness of CAPLYTA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Contraindications: CAPLYTA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lumateperone or any components of CAPLYTA. Reactions have included pruritus, rash (e.g., allergic dermatitis, papular rash, and generalized rash), and urticaria.

Warnings & Precautions: Antipsychotic drugs have been reported to cause:

• Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis, including stroke and transient ischemic attack. See Boxed Warning above.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), which is a potentially fatal reaction. Signs and symptoms include: high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, elevated creatinine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (and/or rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. Patients who experience signs and symptoms of NMS should immediately contact their doctor or go to the emergency room.
• Tardive Dyskinesia, a syndrome of uncontrolled body movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts, which may increase with duration of treatment and total cumulative dose. TD may not go away, even if CAPLYTA is discontinued. It can also occur after CAPLYTA is discontinued.
• Metabolic Changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with antipsychotics. Measure weight and assess fasting plasma glucose and lipids when initiating CAPLYTA and monitor periodically during long-term treatment.
• Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis (including fatal cases). Complete blood counts should be performed in patients with pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC) or history of leukopenia or neutropenia. CAPLYTA should be discontinued if clinically significant decline in WBC occurs in absence of other causative factors.
• Decreased Blood Pressure & Dizziness. Patients may feel lightheaded, dizzy or faint when they rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension). Heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored and patients should be warned with known cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. Orthostatic vital signs should be monitored in patients who are vulnerable to hypotension.
• Falls. CAPLYTA may cause sleepiness or dizziness and can slow thinking and motor skills, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures and other injuries. Patients should be assessed for risk when using CAPLYTA.
• Seizures. CAPLYTA should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower seizure threshold.
• Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment. Patients should use caution when operating machinery or motor vehicles until they know how CAPLYTA affects them.
• Body Temperature Dysregulation. CAPLYTA should be used with caution in patients who may experience conditions that may increase core body temperature such as strenuous exercise, extreme heat, dehydration, or concomitant anticholinergics.
• Dysphagia. CAPLYTA should be used with caution in patients at risk for aspiration.
  

Drug Interactions: CAPLYTA should not be used with CYP3A4 inducers. Dose reduction is recommended for concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Special Populations: Newborn infants exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. Dose reduction is recommended for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials with CAPLYTA vs. placebo were somnolence/sedation, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth.

CAPLYTA is available in 10.5 mg, 21 mg, and 42 mg capsules.

Please click here to see full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning.

About CAPLYTA (lumateperone)

CAPLYTA 42 mg is an oral, once daily atypical antipsychotic approved in adults for the treatment of schizophrenia and the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder (bipolar depression) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. While the mechanism of action of CAPLYTA is unknown, the efficacy of CAPLYTA could be mediated through a combination of antagonist activity at central serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and postsynaptic antagonist activity at central dopamine D2 receptors.

Lumateperone is being studied for the treatment of major depressive disorder, and other neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Lumateperone is not FDA-approved for these disorders.

About Intra-Cellular Therapies

Intra-Cellular Therapies is a biopharmaceutical company founded on Nobel prize-winning research that allows us to understand how therapies affect the inner-workings of cells in the body. The company leverages this intracellular approach to develop innovative treatments for people living with complex psychiatric and neurologic diseases. For more information, please visit www.intracellulartherapies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, whether clinical trial results will be predictive of future real-world results; our plans to conduct clinical or non-clinical trials and the timing of developments with respect to those trials, including enrollment, initiation or completion of clinical conduct, or the availability of results; whether CAPLYTA will serve an unmet need; the goals of our development programs; our beliefs about the potential utility of our product candidates; and development efforts and plans under the caption “About Intra-Cellular Therapies.” All such forward-looking statements are based on management's present expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: there are no guarantees that CAPLYTA will be commercially successful; we may encounter issues, delays or other challenges in commercializing CAPLYTA; the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact our commercial plans and sales for CAPLYTA; the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the conduct of, and the timing of enrollment, completion and reporting with respect to, our clinical trials; whether CAPLYTA receives adequate reimbursement from third-party payors; the degree to which CAPLYTA receives acceptance from patients and physicians for its approved indications; challenges associated with execution of our sales activities, which in each case could limit the potential of our product; results achieved in CAPLYTA in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression following commercial launch of the product may be different than observed in clinical trials, and may vary among patients; any other impacts on our business as a result of or related to the COVID-19 pandemic; challenges associated with supply and manufacturing activities, which in each case could limit our sales and the availability of our product; impacts on our business, including on the commercialization of CAPLYTA and our clinical trials, as a result of the conflict in Ukraine; risks associated with our current and planned clinical trials; we may encounter unexpected safety or tolerability issues with CAPLYTA following commercial launch for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar depression or in ongoing or future trials and other development activities; our other product candidates may not be successful or may take longer and be more costly than anticipated; product candidates that appeared promising in earlier research and clinical trials may not demonstrate safety and/or efficacy in larger-scale or later clinical trials or in clinical trials for other indications; our proposals with respect to the regulatory path for our product candidates may not be acceptable to the FDA; our reliance on collaborative partners and other third parties for development of our product candidates; and the other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not intend to update this information unless required by law.

Contact:

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.

Juan Sanchez, M.D.
Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
646-440-9333

Burns McClellan, Inc.
Cameron Radinovic
cradinovic@burnsmc.com
212-213-0006

FAQ

What were the primary and key secondary endpoints met by Lumateperone 42 mg in the Phase 3 study?

Lumateperone 42 mg met the primary endpoint of change from baseline at Week 6 on the MADRS total score versus placebo and the key secondary endpoint of change from baseline at Week 6 on the CGI-S.

What was the effect size for the primary endpoint in the Phase 3 study?

The effect size for the primary endpoint was 0.61.

How many patients were randomized in the study to evaluate Lumateperone as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressants?

485 patients were randomized in the study.

What were the most commonly reported adverse events in the study?

The most common adverse events were dry mouth, fatigue, and tremor.

What did Dr. Sharon Mates emphasize about CAPLYTA in relation to mood disorders?

Dr. Sharon Mates expressed optimism about establishing CAPLYTA as a first-choice treatment for mood disorders.

Who highlighted the need for efficacious treatments with favorable safety profiles in MDD patients?

Dr. Suresh Durgam, Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the need for efficacious treatments with favorable safety profiles in MDD patients.