Actinogen Medical’s Xanamem shows promising results in depression treatment trials

Australian biotechnology company Actinogen Medical (ASX: ACW) has received further positive analysis from studies of its Xanamem treatment for symptoms of depression.

The consistent benefits observed in the XanaCIDD phase 2a depression trial data support the conclusion that a 10 milligram Xanamem dose is clinically active in controlling brain cortisol and has clinically-significant anti-depressant activity.

A Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score improvement was confirmed during the trial and positive effects were observed in five of six pre-specified subgroups, indicating a broad effect in the population studied.

‘Major clinical impact’

“The data on depression are incredibly good news for Actinogen and for the many patients who may benefit from Xanamem in the future,” chief executive officer Dr Steven Gourlay said.

“This trial shows that Xanamem’s mechanism of cortisol control in the brain has a major clinical impact.”

“While the anti-depressant market is competitive, Xanamem’s safety profile sets it apart from competitors and the durability of the benefit seen is intriguing.”

“Anti-depressant activity would also be a beneficial feature of Xanamem treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, where depressive symptoms often occur,” he added.

“Our current primary objective remains the enrolment of the XanaMIA Phase 2b trial, designed to measure Xanamem’s ability to slow or halt Alzheimer’s disease progression over 36 weeks—interim data are anticipated in mid-2025.”

Consistent benefits

Analysis of further data from a second, well-validated endpoint for clinical function in depression called the Patient Global Impression of Severity reveals consistent Xanamem benefits that corroborate the MADRS observations.

The new responder analyses also underscored MADRS benefit at week ten, with a 50% higher rate of remission of depression.

The XanaCIDD data indicate significant activity for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and the company is exploring the path forward in MDD with regulators, global thought leaders and potential strategic partners.

Mental health costs rising

An estimated 19% of Australians have reportedly been diagnosed with depression, with around one in five Australians aged 16-85 experiencing a mental illness in any given year.

The most common mental illnesses are depressive, anxiety and substance use disorders.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, spending on mental health-related services increased from $10.9 billion to $12.2b between 2017 and 2022.