J&J Withdraws from Addex Epilepsy Drug After Phase II Failure

Johnson & Johnson has decided to discontinue the development of an investigational epilepsy therapy, JNJ-40411813, also known as ADX71149. This decision follows the therapy's failure to reduce seizure frequency in a Phase II clinical trial. The announcement was made by a J&J spokesperson, who emphasized that the decision came after discussions with their long-term partner, Addex Therapeutics. Despite this setback, the collaboration between J&J and Addex will continue.

The partnership between Johnson & Johnson and Addex Therapeutics began in 2004, aimed at developing mGlu2 receptor positive allosteric modulators for various neurological conditions. JNJ-40411813 emerged from this collaboration as a promising candidate and was initially tested for major depressive disorder. However, after disappointing results in that area, the focus shifted to its potential for treating epilepsy.

In April, Addex Therapeutics revealed that JNJ-40411813 did not meet the primary endpoint of a study focused on patients with focal onset seizures. The primary measure was the time to baseline seizure count, and the therapy failed to show significant improvement in this area. This disappointing outcome resulted in a significant drop in Addex's share price, which fell by more than half following the data release. On the Swiss stock exchange, Addex's shares were down by about 3% on the day of the announcement.

The decision to halt the development of JNJ-40411813 underscores the challenges faced in the search for effective epilepsy treatments. Despite the initial promise and years of collaboration, the results of the clinical trials ultimately dictate the feasibility of bringing a new therapy to market. Johnson & Johnson's choice to discontinue this particular project reflects a commitment to rigorous standards and patient safety.

While this marks the end of JNJ-40411813's development for epilepsy, both companies remain committed to their ongoing partnership. The collaboration, which has spanned nearly two decades, continues to focus on the development of new treatments for neurological conditions. Despite this setback, the relationship between J&J and Addex remains strong, with both parties looking to the future for new opportunities and potential breakthroughs.

The pharmaceutical industry is fraught with challenges, especially in the realm of neurological disorders like epilepsy. The discontinuation of JNJ-40411813 serves as a reminder of the complex nature of drug development and the importance of thorough clinical testing. For patients, healthcare providers, and researchers, each trial and subsequent decision provides valuable insights that drive future innovation and therapeutic advancements.

In conclusion, Johnson & Johnson's announcement to halt the development of the experimental epilepsy therapy JNJ-40411813 highlights the inherent difficulties in drug discovery and development. Despite this setback, the enduring partnership with Addex Therapeutics continues to hold promise for future innovations in treating neurological conditions. The focus now shifts to identifying new avenues and potential therapies that might succeed where JNJ-40411813 did not, keeping the hope alive for more effective treatments for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.