PureTech Health entity Karuna Therapeutics announces results from KarXT trial

PureTech Health (PRTC) noted that its founded entity, Karuna Therapeutics (KRTX), announced results from its Phase 1b open-label, eight-week inpatient trial evaluating the effect of KarXT on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in adults with schizophrenia demonstrating that KarXT was not associated with increases in blood pressure. The primary endpoint in the trial was the change from baseline at week eight in 24-hour average ambulatory systolic blood pressure. In the trial, KarXT demonstrated a mean change from baseline to week eight in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure of -0.59 mmHg. The upper bound of the two-sided 95% confidence interval for the mean change from baseline to week 8 was 1.60 mmHg, thus ruling out a clinically meaningful increase in blood pressure. Daytime and nighttime systolic blood pressure measurements showed no meaningful change and were generally consistent with the 24-hour average. Additional vital sign measures collected in the trial, including 24-hour average diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, were consistent with prior trials of KarXT in schizophrenia. Further, KarXT was generally well tolerated, with a side effect profile consistent with prior trials in the EMERGENT program. PureTech is a founder of Karuna and co-inventor of the KarXT program. In September, Karuna announced the submission of a new drug application to the FDA for KarXT for the treatment of schizophrenia. If approved, KarXT will be the third therapeutic candidate to be taken from inception at PureTech to FDA regulatory approval.