Sage and Biogen unable to convince markets on zuranolone

US biotech companies Sage Therapeutics (Nasdaq: SAGE) and Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) have announced that the CORAL study in people with major depressive disorder (MDD) met the trial objectives.

This was achieved by the drug’s use alongside an open-label standard of care antidepressant (ADT) demonstrating a rapid and statistically-significant reduction in depressive symptoms at day three and over the two-week treatment period, achieving the primary and key secondary endpoints.

The companies focused on the positives from the trial findings, ignoring questions over the long-term effect of zuranolone, which has been doubted by investors in the past.