The failure of the first two Phase III studies of Roche’s bitopertin in schizophrenia is a blow to the company’s ambitions in neuroscience and highlights the challenges for diversifying outside of its oncology stronghold.
Bitopertin (RG1678) is an oral glycine reuptake inhibitor aimed at improving N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) receptor function, which is associated with symptoms in schizophrenia Also see "Roche Plays Up Potential First-In-Class Schizophrenia Drug In R&D Review" - Pink Sheet, 9 December,