Forest Laboratories and Pierre Fabre report positive levomilnacipran data

Forest Laboratories and its partner Pierre Fabre Medicament have reported positive clinical trial data from a new study of the developmental compound levomilnacipran.

The drug was trialled in a phase III study to assess its efficacy in combating major depressive disorder among adult patients when compared to placebo.

Data analysis from the trial revealed a statistically significant improvement among patients for all dose groups, meaning it was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint.

Results from a phase III flexible-dose study of levomilnacipran were released earlier this year, with data from two more placebo-controlled studies set to be published at the end of the year and in spring 2012 respectively.

Dr Marco Taglietti, senior vice-president for research and development and president at the Forest Research Institute, said: "Depressed patients often struggle to find the right antidepressant and the need for new medications is high."

The company is also currently developing an antidepressive treatment called cariprazine, which is presently undergoing phase II testing, alongside Gedeon Richter.