Xenon Pauses Depression Trials After Psychosis Signals
Xenon Pharmaceuticals paused enrollment in its phase 3 depression programs X-Nova2 (major depressive disorder) and X-Ceed (bipolar depression) after reports of adverse events including psychosis. Existing participants remain in treatment while the company plans to adjust dosing to improve tolerability and has notified the FDA. X-Nova2 enrollment was about 360 participants (roughly 80% of the target). Xenon says the MDD trial already has enough patients to show a meaningful improvement, with topline data expected in Q1 next year. Analysts view the safety signals as not indicative of a broader Kv7 activator safety issue, and the epilepsy program data remain supportive; Xenon’s stock traded lower following the announcement.