Bristol Myers acquires Karuna, including novel muscarinic neuropsychiatric drug

Bristol Myers Squibb has completed its acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics, including Karuna’s therapeutic portfolio featuring a novel, investigational muscarinic antipsychotic to treat schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a release from Bristol Myers Squibb, KarXT’s indication for treating schizophrenia in adults has a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of Sept. 26. Karuna had previously submitted a new drug application to the FDA in late September 2023, and the FDA accepted it in November 2023.

The drug is also currently under investigation in registrational trials both as adjunctive therapy for schizophrenia as well as for psychosis in those with AD. The company additionally stated potential expansion to indications for bipolar I disorder and AD-related agitation.

“We are excited to expand our neuroscience portfolio as we welcome Karuna to Bristol Myers Squibb,” Bristol Myers Squibb CEO Chris Boerner, PhD, said in the release. “We look forward to working with Karuna’s talented team to bring KarXT to patients with schizophrenia later this year.”