Johnson & Johnson Showcases Innovative Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder at ECNP 2025

Johnson & Johnson Unveils Major Depressive Disorder Portfolio at ECNP 2025

TITUSVILLE, N.J. – Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is set to showcase an expansive array of research focused on major depressive disorder (MDD) at the upcoming European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress. This annual event, taking place in Amsterdam from October 11 to 14, will feature 17 presentations from the company’s diverse portfolio, which includes innovative treatments for MDD and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

The data presented aims to provide new insights into the complexities of MDD, underscoring how traditional treatment approaches often fail due to the disorder's unique presentations in individuals. According to Bill Martin, Ph.D., Global Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Head at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, the company's commitment to enhancing treatment options reflects its patient-first philosophy.

Key Research Highlights

Among the key presentations are:

1. CAPLYTA® (lumateperone) Study: A new analysis from Phase 3 clinical trials will examine how CAPLYTA impacts sexual function in patients suffering from MDD, potentially reshaping treatment expectations.
2. Seltorexant Efficacy: An oral presentation will discuss a subgroup analysis comparing the effectiveness of seltorexant—a first-in-class adjunctive treatment for MDD patients with insomnia—against quetiapine extended release in the European Union and United Kingdom.
3. ESCAPE-TRD Findings: This post-hoc analysis seeks to determine how various patient characteristics correlate with remission rates when treated with SPRAVATO® (esketamine) compared to quetiapine in individuals classified as having TRD.
4. French ELLIPSE Study Data: Real-world safety and effectiveness data of SPRAVATO will also be presented, adding another layer to the understanding of treatment outcomes in diverse patient populations.
5. Delphi Consensus Research: Results from a Delphi method study detailing the consensus among European psychiatrists regarding factors influencing the continuation of SPRAVATO treatment in TRD patients.

The Burden of Major Depressive Disorder

MDD is acknowledged as one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders globally, affecting approximately 332 million individuals or about 4% of the world's population. In the U.S. alone, around 22 million adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2023. This complex, heterogeneous condition can manifest in multiple ways, leading to diverse treatment responses, thereby complicating standard care protocols.

Researchers point out that up to 67% of individuals with MDD continue to experience persistent symptoms despite standard antidepressant therapies, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans that address these variations.

Insomnia, a common symptom among MDD sufferers, significantly compounds the disorder's impact on quality of life and increases the risk for relapse or suicide. Approximately one-third of MDD patients do not respond adequately to conventional antidepressant regimens, rendering them as cases of TRD and highlighting an urgent demand for effective adjunctive therapies.

Innovative Treatments on the Horizon

CAPLYTA® has gained attention for its potential to treat both schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. While its exact mechanism remains undefined, its ability to modulate serotonin and dopamine receptors may contribute to its efficacy as a management option for MDD.

Seltorexant, on the other hand, targets the orexin-2 receptor to improve mood and sleep without causing significant next-day sedation, making it a unique adjunctive treatment for patients battling insomnia in the context of MDD.

Meanwhile, SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is currently approved for adults experiencing TRD and has been shown to exert antidepressant effects through a different neural pathway than traditional antidepressants. Offering hope to affected individuals, SPRAVATO has been embraced in multiple markets, administered to over 150,000 patients worldwide.

Conclusion

As Johnson & Johnson prepares for the 2025 ECNP Congress, the insights gained from their diverse research portfolio signify advancements in understanding and treating major depressive disorder. With a dedication to patient-centric innovations, the company aims to pioneer therapies that truly resonate with the complexities inherent within mental health disorders.

For ongoing updates and detailed findings, participants and followers are encouraged to stay connected during the Congress proceedings.