Johnson & Johnson Presents New Depression Treatment Data at ACNP 2026 Meeting
Key Insights
Johnson & Johnson presented 11 abstracts featuring new data on its neuropsychiatry portfolio at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, held January 12-15, 2026 in Nassau, Bahamas.
Key presentations included Phase 3 clinical trial analyses of CAPLYTA (lumateperone) for major depressive disorder (search) remission, metabolic analyses of investigational seltorexant compared to quetiapine, and post-hoc analyses of SPRAVATO (esketamine) effects on anhedonia (search) in treatment-resistant depression (search).
The company showcased research spanning from clinical findings on remission and tolerability to preclinical research on novel mechanisms and AI-driven precision tools for neuropsychiatric conditions.
Johnson & Johnson announced the presentation of 11 abstracts featuring new data from its neuropsychiatry portfolio at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), held January 12-15, 2026, in Nassau, Bahamas. The presentations encompassed research across major depressive disorder (search) (MDD), treatment-resistant depression (search) (TRD), schizophrenia (search), and bipolar disorder (search).
"At Johnson & Johnson, we are tackling the greatest unmet needs for patients living with depression, schizophrenia (search) and bipolar disorder (search) – with the ultimate goal of remission from disease," said Bill Martin, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "Our data at ACNP this year showcases how we are boldly advancing our portfolio, from clinical findings on remission and tolerability to preclinical research on novel mechanisms and AI-driven precision tools, reflecting our commitment to redefining standards of care."
Key Clinical Trial Findings
CAPLYTA Remission Analysis
A new analysis of Phase 3 clinical trials evaluated the efficacy of CAPLYTA (lumateperone) 42 mg in combination with antidepressants for remission of MDD symptoms in adults. The analysis examined both short-term and long-term trial data to assess remission rates with the adjunctive therapy approach.
Seltorexant Metabolic Profile Study
New metabolic analyses from Phase 3 data evaluated the tolerability of seltorexant adjunctive to SSRI/SNRI therapy compared to adjunctive quetiapine extended release (XR) in patients with MDD who experience insomnia (search) symptoms. Seltorexant is an investigational first-in-class therapy that selectively antagonizes orexin-2 receptors (search), potentially improving mood symptoms associated with depression while restoring sleep without next-day sedation.
SPRAVATO Anhedonia Research
Post-hoc analyses from two Phase 3 studies, TRANSFORM-2 and SUSTAIN-2, explored the effects of SPRAVATO (esketamine) CIII nasal spray on anhedonia (search) in patients with treatment-resistant depression (search). The findings examined both short-term and long-term effects of the NMDA receptor (search) antagonist on this core symptom of depression.
Addressing Unmet Medical Needs
The research presentations address significant challenges in depression treatment. MDD impacts an estimated 332 million people worldwide, representing approximately 4 percent of the global population. In 2023, approximately 22 million adults in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode.
Treatment response rates remain suboptimal, with only one in three patients reaching remission with their first antidepressant. Response rates continue to decline with each subsequent treatment attempt, leaving many patients cycling through multiple therapies for years while seeking sustained symptom relief.
Approximately 60 percent of MDD patients experience clinically relevant insomnia (search) symptoms despite treatment with SSRI/SNRI medications. Sleep disturbances significantly impact quality of life and increase the risk of depressive relapse and suicide.
Treatment-resistant depression (search) affects approximately one-third of adults with MDD who do not respond adequately to oral antidepressants alone. TRD is defined as inadequate response to two or more oral antidepressants administered at adequate doses for sufficient duration. Based on the STAR*D study, after trying a third oral antidepressant, approximately 86 percent of patients do not achieve remission.
Innovative Research Approaches
The company also presented preclinical and translational research showcasing novel approaches to neuropsychiatric treatment. This included research on AI platforms for precision medicine, investigations into the biology associated with neuropsychiatric diseases, and early-stage work on new therapeutic mechanisms for depression.
One presentation featured the NAIO (Neuroscience and AI-Optimized Platform), a multi-modal computational platform designed to inform target and indication selection, biomarker readout, and patient stratification in CNS drug development.
Current Treatment Landscape
CAPLYTA 42 mg is currently approved as an oral, once-daily atypical antipsychotic for adults as adjunctive therapy with antidepressants for major depressive disorder (search), for schizophrenia (search), and for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder. The drug's mechanism of action involves antagonist activity at central serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (search) and partial agonist activity at central dopamine D2 receptors (search).
SPRAVATO (esketamine) nasal spray is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with treatment-resistant depression (search) and for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (search) who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior. The therapy has been approved in 79 markets and administered to more than 150,000 patients worldwide.
The presentations underscore Johnson & Johnson's comprehensive approach to addressing the complex, heterogeneous nature of depression, which can present with as many as 256 unique symptom combinations across multiple brain regions.