Lilly Stops Development of Schizophrenia Drug

Eli Lilly and Co. has stopped clinical studies for pomaglumetad methionil, or mGlu2/3, for the treatment of schizophrenia. The decision follows analysis of two Phase III studies showing that the drug was unlikely to meet its primary efficacy endpoint. The decision was not based on any safety signals.
 
“I’m disappointed in what these results mean for patients with schizophrenia who still are searching for options to treat this terrible illness,” said Jan Lundberg, Ph.D., executive vice president, science and technology, and president, Lilly Research Laboratories.  “While there are many challenges in this complex field of research, neuroscience remains a core area of focus at Lilly. Our clinical development pipeline includes nearly a dozen neuroscience molecules being studied to treat illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.”
 
The decision is expected to result in a third-quarter charge in the range of $25 million to $30 million.