Azetukalner Shows Promise in Early Trial for Treating Depression and Anhedonia: JAMA

Results Altogether, 168 participants were randomized (56 to placebo, 56 to 10 mg of azetukalner, and 56 to 20 mg of azetukalner); mean (SD) age was 47.2 (13.6) years, and 111 participants (66.5%) were female. The modified intent-to-treat and safety populations consisted of 164 and 167 participants, respectively. The mean (SE) reduction in MADRS scores from baseline to week 6 was –13.90 (1.41) points with placebo, –15.61 (1.34) points with 10 mg of azetukalner, and –16.94 (1.45) points with 20 mg of azetukalner; the mean (SE) reduction with 20 mg of azetukalner vs placebo was clinically meaningful but not statistically significant (–3.04 points; 95% CI, –7.04 to 0.96 points; P = .14) at week 6, while significant at week 1 (–2.66 points; 95% CI, –5.30 to –0.03 points; P = .047). The mean (SE) reduction in HAM-D17 from baseline to week 6 was significantly greater with 20 mg of azetukalner vs placebo (–13.3 [1.1] vs –10.2 [1.0] points; P = .04). The mean (SE) reduction in SHAPS scores from baseline to week 6 was significantly greater with 20 mg of azetukalner vs placebo (–7.77 [0.87] vs –5.30 [0.85] points; P = .046).

Similar rates of discontinuation due to TEAEs were reported across groups. In this randomized clinical trial of azetukalner, preliminary findings supported its further clinical development for the treatment of MDD and anhedonia.

Reference:

Butterfield NN, Luzon Rosenblut C, Fava M, et al. Azetukalner, a Novel KV7 Potassium Channel Opener, in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e2514278. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.14278