AbbVie to acquire depression drug for $1.2B

AbbVie is acquiring Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals’ lead drug candidate bretisilocin, used to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder, for up to $1.2 billion. 

Bretisilocin is a psychedelic compound that targets the 5-HT2A receptor and releases serotonin, according to an Aug. 25 news release from AbbVie. It is meant to deliver antidepressant effects with a shorter psychoactive experience compared to other drugs in its class, according to an AbbVie news release. 

In a phase 2 trial, a single 10-milligram dose of the drug reduced depressive symptoms by 21.6 points on the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale, compared to a 12.1-point reduction for a low-dose comparison. 

As part of the deal, Gilgamesh will spin off its remaining programs and staff into a new company that will continue its existing partnership with AbbVie, the release said. 

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