Neumora hold likely more of a setback for company than drug class

News of a clinical hold on Neumora’s schizophrenia program is unlikely to broadly dent enthusiasm for the new class of muscarinic agents in development for schizophrenia, although it could make Neurmora less attractive as an acquisition target until the situation resolves.

At least seven compounds targeting the muscarinic receptor M4, and in some cases also M1, are in development for schizophrenia, and that number could grow given the size of the market and unmet need. Positive Phase III data from Karuna Therapeutics Inc.’s KarXT helped derisk the class and led to the company’s $14 billion acquisition by  Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:BMY)...