Forest Laboratories reports positive data on depression therapy

Forest Laboratories has announced new phase III clinical trial data demonstrating the efficacy of levomilnacipran, its new therapy for major depressive disorder.

In association with partner Pierre Fabre Medicament, the company conducted a new study of the investigational agent among 568 adult patients, in which its safety and efficacy were compared to placebo.

It was found that treatment with levomilnacipran significantly reduced depression symptoms in patients, representing the third positive batch of phase III trial results for this compound.

Further analyses of these results will now be carried out, but the partners anticipate being able to file for US regulatory approval of the drug in the third quarter of 2012.

Dr Marco Taglietti, Forest's senior vice-president for research and development and president of the Forest Research Institute, said: "Many suffering from major depressive disorder continue to struggle to find a treatment that works for them. This third phase III study further reinforces the potential of levomilnacipran as an effective treatment option."

The drug is one of nine newer products that Forest Laboratories has highlighted as playing a key role in its future growth strategy.