Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX) announced it has amended its agreement with Takeda to develop and commercialize osavampator (NBI-1065845/TAK-653). Under the amended agreement, Neurocrine will obtain exclusive rights for all indications to develop and commercialize osavampator, a potential first-in-class AMPA positive allosteric modulator in development for patients with inadequate response to treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in all territories worldwide except Japan, where Takeda will reacquire exclusive rights. Under the terms of the updated agreement, each company is responsible for development costs in their respective region, and both companies are eligible to receive royalty payments.

"This streamlined collaboration structure allows Neurocrine to focus on bringing this important medicine to patients as quickly as possible," said Kyle Gano, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Neurocrine Biosciences. "With the recent successful completion of our End-of-Phase 2 meeting with FDA for osavampator, we look forward to beginning the Phase 3 program in the first half of this year."

"With its long-standing expertise developing therapies for serious psychiatric disorders, Neurocrine is the ideal partner to develop osavampator," said Sarah Sheikh, M.Sc., B.M., B.Ch, MRCP, Head, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit and Head, Global Development at Takeda. "As it continues to progress through clinical development, osavampator has the potential to add a meaningful new treatment option for patients with MDD."