Pfizer’s Depression Candidate Flops in Phase 3 Study

Pfizer’s latest Phase 3 study of Pristiq, a treatment for major depressive disorder, failed to meet its primary objective of superiority versus placebo in a study evaluating the drug for children between the ages of 7 and 17.

It marks the second Phase 3 study for pediatric patients receiving Pristiq that did not demonstrate superior efficacy versus placebo. The studies are being conducted as part of a postmarketing commitment.

Pristiq was approved in 2008 for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.