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Xenon Halts Depression Drug Trials Over Side Effects
18 Sep
Summary
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals paused new patient enrollment in depression drug trials.
- The company cited mental and nervous system-related side effects.
- Enrollment pause does not affect the company's epilepsy program.
Xenon Pharmaceuticals announced on September 18, 2026, that it has voluntarily paused the enrollment of new patients in ongoing clinical studies for its experimental drug, azetukalner. The drug is being investigated for potential use in treating major depression and bipolar disorder. This decision follows reports of adverse events related to mental and nervous system functions observed across the trials.
The company's safety monitoring board was consulted, and an analysis of emerging side effects led to this precautionary halt. Patients already participating in these studies will continue their treatment as planned. Xenon is currently assessing possible dose modifications to improve the drug's tolerability.
Notably, this enrollment pause does not impede Xenon's progress with its epilepsy program. The company has submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval for azetukalner to treat focal seizures, a common form of epilepsy.
