Autobahn Therapeutics receives funding to advance treatment-resistant depression drug trial

Autobahn Therapeutics announced it has received $32.7 million to advance clinical trials for ABX-002, a brain-boosting thyroid receptor beta agonist, to treat those with treatment-resistant depression.

ABX-002 works to enhance serotonin activity in the brain in those with treatment-resistant depression. The treatment is expected to augment antidepressant treatments by potentiating the beneficial effects of antidepressants on monoaminergic signaling.

Autobahn plans to initiate a phase 1 single- and multiple-ascending dose trial with ABX-002 by the end of the year.

“We have conducted comprehensive work with our lead asset, ABX-002, and followed the science, which led us to selecting [treatment-resistant depression] as the ideal indication for clinical development,” Autobahn President and CEO Kevin Finney said in a release from the company. “Based on extensive literature supporting the role that thyroid hormone plays in depression, we have a significant opportunity to enhance the care of people with this challenging-to-treat disorder.”

To support the advancement of ABX-002, the company established a scientific advisory board focused on treatment-resistant depression. The committee is comprised of Maurizio Fava, MD, psychiatrist-in-chief at Massachusetts General Hospital; Edmund Harrigan, MD, former vice president of safety and regulatory for Pfizer; and Thomas Laughren, MD, former director of the FDA’s division of psychiatry products.

“We look forward to exploring the therapeutic benefit of ABX-002 and the ultimate impact we can have on the many patients affected by [central nervous system] disorders,” Finney said.