Lundbeck’s depression drug enters Phase II

This novel drug (Lu AA24530) discovered by Lundbeck, belongs to a new chemical class and represents an approach that is markedly different to any currently marketed antidepressants,according to the company. Lu AA24530 is being jointly developed by Lundbeck and Takeda and is the second most advanced compound in the collaboration on a new class of compounds to treat mood and anxiety disorders.

Anders Gersel Pedersen, head of development at Lundbeck, said: “Lu AA24530 is an outcome of efforts to design and develop novel psychotropics displaying clear-cut improvements in efficacy without compromising patient tolerability and compliance.”

Masaomi Miyamoto, general manager of pharmaceutical development division of Takeda, said: “We are very pleased with the progression of development stage of Lu AA24530, which is one of the compounds covered by our alliance with Lundbeck. We will collaborate closely with Lundbeck in the next clinical stage.”