AbbVie, Gedeon Richter Forge Pact to Develop Neuropsychiatric Drugs

AbbVie and Hungary’s Gedeon Richter have struck a deal to develop therapies for neuropsychiatric diseases, building on their existing 15-year partnership.

The new collaboration will focus on AbbVie’s Vraylar (cariprazine) and will “explore novel chemistry to identify new dopamine-receptor modulators,” said Tom Hudson, AbbVie’s chief scientific officer.

Financial terms of the expanded partnership deal were not disclosed, but Richter will receive an upfront payment.

Vraylar is FDA-approved for adults with bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar depression and schizophrenia. AbbVie is currently seeking expanded approval for Vraylar as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder.