Neurocrine Biosciences Initiates Phase 2a Trial for Schizophrenia Treatment Following Depression Drug Setback
Key Insights
Neurocrine Biosciences has launched a Phase 2a clinical study for NBI-1117570, an investigational oral drug targeting schizophrenia (search) symptoms in hospitalized adults.
The company recently experienced a setback when its depression (search) drug NBI-1070770 failed to meet the primary efficacy endpoint in a Phase 2 trial.
The new schizophrenia (search) study represents a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial testing two dose levels against placebo, scheduled to begin December 15, 2025.
Neurocrine Biosciences has announced the initiation of a Phase 2a clinical study for NBI-1117570, an investigational oral treatment for schizophrenia (search), as the company advances its neuropsychiatric pipeline despite a recent setback with its depression (search) drug candidate.
The company recently revealed that its investigational depression (search) drug NBI-1070770 missed the primary efficacy endpoint in a Phase 2 trial, raising questions about the broader pipeline strategy. However, Neurocrine is moving forward with new clinical initiatives, including the schizophrenia (search) study that could address significant unmet medical needs.
New Schizophrenia Trial Design
The Phase 2a study, titled "A Phase 2a, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of NBI-1117570 in Adults With Schizophrenia (search) Who Warrant Inpatient Hospitalization," will evaluate NBI-1117570's efficacy in improving behavioral and psychological symptoms in adult schizophrenia patients requiring hospitalization.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will test the investigational oral drug at two dose levels compared with placebo. The study employs triple masking to ensure participants, caregivers, investigators, and outcome assessors remain uninformed about treatment assignments, maintaining scientific rigor throughout the therapeutic intervention.
The trial is scheduled to begin on December 15, 2025, with primary completion and study completion dates yet to be announced. This timeline represents a significant milestone in Neurocrine's clinical pipeline progression.
Market Performance Despite Setbacks
Despite the NBI-1070770 trial failure, Neurocrine's stock performance has remained relatively stable. The company's shares closed at $155.51, demonstrating a 90-day share price return of 8.14% and a robust one-year total shareholder return of 21.36%, indicating that longer-term momentum remains intact.
Current market analysis suggests the stock trades at a 36.2 times earnings multiple, significantly higher than the US biotech average of 19.1 times. Some analysts view the company as undervalued, with fair value estimates reaching $244.80, representing potential upside from current levels.
Pipeline Strategy and Portfolio
Neurocrine continues to focus on treatments for neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's portfolio includes FDA-approved drugs like Ingrezza and Orilissa, while advancing multiple compounds in mid- to late-stage clinical trials.
For the upcoming Q2 2025 earnings, consensus estimates project approximately $0.97 per share EPS with expected revenue of around $653.09 million, reflecting the company's established commercial products and ongoing development efforts.
The success of the NBI-1117570 schizophrenia (search) study could enhance Neurocrine's portfolio and investor appeal, given the competitive landscape in schizophrenia therapeutics and industry focus on innovative treatments. However, the company faces potential risks if key pipeline trials encounter further setbacks or if pricing and reimbursement pressures affect cornerstone drugs like Ingrezza and Crenessity (search).