We know that, Tasimelteon (BMS-214,778) is a drug which is under development for the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders. It is a selective agonist for the melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain, similar to older drugs such as ramelteon. It has been through Phase III trials successfully and was shown to improve both onset and maintenance of sleep, with few side effects.
A year-long (2011-2012) study at Harvard is testing the use of tasimelteon in blind subjects with non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder.
Now Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VNDA), announced top-line results of the Phase IIb/III clinical study (MAGELLAN) in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), investigating the efficacy and safety of tasimelteon as a monotherapy in the treatment of patients with MDD. The clinical study did not meet the primary endpoint of change from baseline in the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) after 8 weeks of treatment as compared to placebo. Both tasimelteon and placebo treated patients had an approximately 40% reduction of their MDD symptoms from baseline. Tasimelteon was shown to be safe and well-tolerated, consistent with observations in prior studies. Given these current proof of concept clinical study results, Vanda has decided to discontinue all activities in this indication.
Vanda has recently reported positive results in two phase III clinical studies of tasimelteon in Non-24-Hour Disorder (Non-24) and plans to submit a New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in mid-2013......
"These results are disappointing, as there is still a significant unmet medical need for patients with Major Depression," said Mihael H. Polymeropoulos , M.D., President and CEO of Vanda. "Tasimelteon's application in the treatment of blind individuals with Non-24 remains our top priority as we pursue our planned NDA submission this year."
Vanda has recently reported positive results in two phase III clinical studies of tasimelteon in Non-24-Hour Disorder (Non-24) and plans to submit a New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in mid-2013......
