Neumora ends development of navacaprant after failed Phase 3 depression trials; EnGene cuts half its workforce

Neumora Therapeutics announced it will discontinue its kappa opioid receptor antagonist navacaprant after the drug missed its primary endpoints in two Phase 3 studies for major depressive disorder. The failure marks the second setback for this class of brain‑targeting medicines, following a similar miss by Johnson & Johnson's aticaprant.

The disappointment sent Neumora’s shares tumbling roughly 50% and prompted analysts to describe the outcome as a "clearing event" that forces the company to refocus on its remaining pipeline, which includes candidates for obesity, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease agitation.

In a separate development, cell‑therapy manufacturing specialist enGene disclosed plans to lay off about half of its workforce as it restructures its operations. The move comes amid broader industry pressures and the company’s efforts to streamline costs ahead of future strategic initiatives.

Both stories underscore the volatility facing biotech firms, where clinical setbacks can quickly erode market value while operational challenges drive significant workforce reductions.