NRX-101 for Bipolar Depression With Subacute Suicidal Ideation

Background and Rationale: NMDA antagonist drugs have shown to reduce symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation. NRX-101 is composed of D-cycloserine (DCS) an NMDA antagonist and lurasidone (5HT2a atypical antipsychotic and antidepressant). In a phase 2 clinical study of bipolar depression and acute suicidal ideation and behavior, (in patients requiring hospitalization) patients received an initial infusion of ketamine and then NRX-101 for 6 weeks. In that phase 2 study, NRX-101 showed the ability to maintain remission from depression and suicidality over 6 weeks when taken twice daily. In this current out patient study, patients with bipolar depression and subacute suicidality (not requiring hospitalization), ketamine will not be used.

Primary Objective:

• To test the hypothesis that treatment with NRX-101 is superior to standard of care (lurasidone) in improving symptoms of depression as measured by the total Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-10) score in patients with bipolar depression and subacute suicidal ideation and behavior (SSIB) which does not require hospitalization.

Secondary Objectives:

• To test the hypothesis that treatment with NRX-101 is superior to standard of care (lurasidone) in reducing suicidality in depressed bipolar patients with SSIB, as measured by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Methodology: : A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, trial in which patients with bipolar depression (MADRS ≥30) and subacute levels of suicidal ideation (C-SSRS 3 or 4, not requiring hospitalization) are randomized to receive twice daily oral NRX-101 or lurasidone (standard of care).

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with bipolar disorder by a qualified rater according to the criteria defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and supported by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 7.0.2.
• Confirmed active suicidal ideation (without the intention to act) as evidenced by an answer of 'Yes' on item 3 and/or item 4 and not requiring hospitalization at Screening and an answer of "No" on item 5 of the C-SSRS.
• A total score greater than or equal to 30 on the 10 items of the MADRS.
• Subject has no co-morbidities as ascertained by medical history, physical examination (including measurement of vital signs), clinical laboratory evaluations, and electrocardiogram (ECG)

Exclusion criteria

• Subject has current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate or severe substance use disorder (except marijuana or tobacco use disorder) within the 12 months prior to Screening.
• Subject has a lifetime history of:

• phencyclidine (PCP)/ketamine drug abuse, or
• failed use of ketamine for depression or suicidality.
• Subject has schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, or any history of psychotic symptoms when not in an acute bipolar mood episode.
• Subject has a current major psychiatric disorder, diagnosed at Screening
• Subject has been prescribed more than one agent in each of the following categories at randomization:

• Approved SSRIs
• Approved serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Approved tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs)
• Approved Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproic acid, and lamotrigine)
• Subject has signs and symptoms of active or residual COVID-19, or unresolved symptoms of COVID-19 that impact health