GSK561679 misses depression endpoint

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:NBIX) said GSK561679 missed the primary endpoint in a double-blind U.S. Phase II trial to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor 1 antagonist did not significantly improve Bech Melancholia scores, a measure of changes in depressive states, from baseline to week six vs. placebo in 145 evaluable female patients. Neurocrine said it plans to meet with partner GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) in the coming months after the full data set is complete to determine the next steps for the CRF depression program, which also includes GSK586529, a backup compound in Phase I testing. ...