Livzon Pharma gets depression clinical trial nod for NS-041 tablets

Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. announced its wholly-owned subsidiary, Livzon Pharmaceutical Factory, received National Medical Products Administration approval for additional clinical trials of NS-041 tablets for depression treatment. The drug, a novel highly selective KCNQ2/3 agonist, is currently the only such agonist in China approved for clinical research in both epilepsy and depression.

NS-041 tablets were initially approved for epilepsy clinical trials on December 27, 2023, and are currently in Phase II clinical studies for that indication. The new approval follows preclinical research demonstrating promising antidepressant effects in mice models.

As of the announcement date, Livzon Pharmaceutical Factory has invested approximately RMB 58,539,400 directly into the research and development of NS-041 tablets. The drug was acquired through a 2024 licensing agreement with Neuro-Oh Pharmaceuticals (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., granting Livzon Pharmaceutical Factory exclusive rights in Greater China. The company cautioned investors that the drug development process is lengthy and subject to uncertainties.