CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2019 -- Sage Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SAGE), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for people with debilitating brain disorders, today reported topline results from the pivotal Phase 3 MOUNTAIN Study evaluating the effect of SAGE-217 on depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The MOUNTAIN Study did not meet its primary endpoint of a statistically significant reduction from baseline compared to placebo in the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) total score at Day 15. SAGE-217 30 mg, given once-daily as an oral treatment, was associated with a mean reduction of 12.6 in HAM-D total score compared to 11.2 for placebo (p=0.115). Patients in the SAGE-217 30 mg group achieved statistically significant reductions in the HAM-D total score at Days 3, 8 and 12 (p<0.018 for each timepoint). The SAGE-217 development program includes five other pivotal studies, two of which have reported positive data, one in MDD and one in postpartum depression (PPD), and three of which are ongoing.

Post-hoc analysis revealed that in the MOUNTAIN Study, approximately 9% of patients in the SAGE-217 30 mg group had no measurable drug concentration, consistent with non-compliance in taking SAGE-217. Excluding these patients from the primary analysis set (SAGE-217 30 mg vs. placebo) resulted in statistical significance at all timepoints through, and including, Day 15 (p<0.048).

The study enrolled more patients with an overall distribution of milder severity of symptoms than previous studies of SAGE-217. When including only patients with a HAM-D>24 (n=124 for SAGE-217 30 mg), a post-hoc analysis demonstrated statistical significance at all timepoints through, and including, Day 15 (p<0.032). Analyses utilizing a HAM-D cutoff of 25 or 26 were also statistically significant.

SAGE-217 was generally well-tolerated and showed a similar safety profile as seen in earlier studies. Overall reports of adverse events (AEs) during the 14-day treatment period and 28-day follow-up were similar between SAGE-217 and placebo (30 mg 54.2%, 20 mg 50.0%, placebo 48.9%). The most common AEs (≥5%) in either SAGE-217 group were headache, dizziness, somnolence, fatigue, diarrhea, sedation and nausea.

“This study did not meet the primary endpoint. With that, the data are supportive of the activity of SAGE-217 in MDD given the statistical significance at the majority of timepoints, and in relevant populations,” said Jeff Jonas, M.D., chief executive officer at Sage. “Notwithstanding the finding on the primary endpoint, the drug displays good activity on most measures. We understand that drug development is an iterative process. In this study, we’ve gathered new data on SAGE-217, data we believe support our hypothesis that SAGE-217 has a unique profile with the potential for rapid and robust onset with durable effect.”

“These study results reinforce that we have an active drug with safety data that are consistent with the two earlier pivotal trials in MDD and PPD,” said Steve Kanes, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer at Sage. “As a designated breakthrough therapy, we are evaluating the path forward to more fully inform a potentially expedited pathway to approval, and any amendments we might consider to the ongoing SAGE-217 pivotal program.”

Summary of topline results from the MOUNTAIN Study
Sage’s Phase 3 MOUNTAIN Study evaluated the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of SAGE-217 in adult patients diagnosed with MDD (MADRS total score ≥32 and a HAM-D total score ≥22).

Effect on depressive symptoms through end of treatment and follow-up
At Day 15, the primary endpoint and end of dosing, patients randomized to SAGE-217 30 mg demonstrated a reduction in depressive symptoms of 12.6 in the HAM-D total score compared with 11.2 in patients who received placebo (LS Mean Difference from placebo -1.4, p=0.115).

Rapid onset of effect for SAGE-217 30 mg (n=166) was noted beginning at Day 3 and statistical significance from placebo (n=157) was noted at all visits during the treatment period leading up to Day 15 (LS Mean Difference from placebo, p-value): Day 3 (-1.6, p=0.016), Day 8 (-2.1, p=0.008) and Day 12 (-2.1, p=0.018).

Improvements in depressive symptoms were sustained in all treatment groups through Day 42 of the double-blind portion of the study. Change from baseline in HAM-D total score at Day 42 for SAGE-217 30 mg was -11.9 and for placebo was -11.7 (LS Mean Difference from placebo -0.5, p=0.807). Preliminary data suggest maintenance of improvement in depressive symptoms in those patients who have completed long-term follow-up up to 6 months. These data will continue to be collected in the coming months.

The 20 mg dose of SAGE-217 did not separate from placebo in this dose-ranging study.

Effect on depressive symptoms by performance factors
Post-hoc analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of performance factors on the primary outcome at Day 15.

Change from baseline in HAM-D total score at Day 15, SAGE-217 30 mg vs. placebo:

• Patients with SAGE-217 measurable drug concentrations (n=151) (excluding 30 mg patients with no measurable drug concentration consistent with noncompliance): SAGE-217 30 mg (-13.0) vs. placebo (-11.2); LS Mean Difference -1.8, p=0.048.
• Patients with HAM-D≥24 (n=124): SAGE-217 30 mg (-13.7) vs. placebo (-11.4); LS Mean Difference -2.3, p=0.032.
• Patients with SAGE-217 measurable drug concentrations and HAM-D≥24 (n=115): SAGE-217 30 mg (-14.0) vs. placebo (-11.4); LS Mean Difference -2.6; p=0.017.

Safety and tolerability
SAGE-217 was generally well tolerated in the trial. The overall incidence of patients who experienced AEs during the 14-day treatment period and 28-day follow up was 54.2% for SAGE-217 30 mg, 50.0% for SAGE-217 20 mg and 48.9% for placebo.

• Two patients receiving SAGE-217 30 mg experienced serious adverse events (SAEs) during treatment: one suicide attempt on Day 5 in a patient with a longstanding history of MDD and a past suicide attempt, and one report of a bile duct stone after Day 2 requiring removal in a patient with a prior bile duct repair. In addition, three patients, one in each treatment group, reported SAEs during follow-up, all occurring at least one week following cessation of treatment: syncope and associated injuries which occurred with dehydration and orthostatic hypotension during exercise in a patient with a history of bradycardia (SAGE-217 30 mg, Day 28), multiple SAEs related to medical complications of cocaine ingestion (SAGE-217 20 mg, Day 39) and suicidal ideation (placebo, Day 22).
• The number of subjects having treatment emergent AEs leading to study drug discontinuation were similar in each treatment group (SAGE-217 30 mg 2.1%, SAGE-217 20 mg 1.6% and placebo 3.2%).
• The most common AEs (≥5%) in any group (SAGE-217 30 mg, SAGE-217 20 mg and placebo) during the 14-day treatment period and the 28-day follow up were:
  • Headache (30 mg 6.3%, 20 mg 11.2%, placebo 7.4%)
  • Dizziness (30 mg 5.7%, 20 mg 7.4%, placebo 3.7%)
  • Somnolence (30 mg 6.8%, 20 mg 5.9%, placebo 4.2%)
  • Fatigue (30 mg 6.8%, 20 mg 1.6%, placebo 2.6%)
  • Diarrhea (30 mg 6.3%, 20 mg 5.9%, placebo 5.3%)
  • Sedation (30 mg 4.7%, 20 mg 5.9%, placebo 3.2%)
  • Nausea (30 mg 3.6%, 20 mg 5.3%, placebo 4.7%)
• There were no AEs of loss of consciousness.
• There was no signal for increased suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior compared to baseline, as measured by Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).

Sage plans to present additional results from the MOUNTAIN Study at an upcoming medical congress.

About the MOUNTAIN Study

The MOUNTAIN Study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of SAGE-217 in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). In the study, 581 patients were randomized to receive SAGE-217, 20 mg or 30 mg, or placebo, once-nightly for two-weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is the change from baseline in the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) total score at Day 15. Secondary endpoints include the change from baseline in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) total score, among others.

About Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is a brain health disorder that affects an estimated 17 million adults in the U.S. each year. It is one of the largest contributors to disability in the U.S. and worldwide and is characterized by symptoms of depressed mood and/or loss of interest in pleasurable activities. MDD causes significant impairment in daily life and can limit a person’s ability to fulfill work, school, family, or social responsibilities; enjoy leisure activities; or maintain health and hygiene. While antidepressants are widely used to treat MDD, large-scale studies have demonstrated that there is an unmet need in the treatment of MDD as well as the need for new therapeutic options.

About SAGE-217

SAGE-217 is an investigational, oral, novel medicine in development for depression. SAGE-217 is an investigational oral neuroactive steroid (NAS) GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM). The GABA system is the major inhibitory signaling pathway of the brain and central nervous system (CNS), and contributes significantly to regulating CNS function.

The clinical program evaluating SAGE-217 in depression is progressing. To date, two positive pivotal studies have been completed, one in MDD (MDD-201) and one in postpartum depression (ROBIN Study). Ongoing studies include the REDWOOD, SHORELINE and RAINFOREST studies. (Article from : www.drugs.com)