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Seltorexant

Phase 3

Depressive Disorder, Major | Small molecule | Psychiatry |Johnson & Johnson|Trials Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Seltorexant development status

Highest phase Phase 3
Registered trials 26 across 4 sponsors since Feb 2014

Seltorexant target and mechanism

Molecular targetHCRTR2
Target classAntagonist
ModalitySmall molecule

Also known as Seltorexant High Dose, Seltorexant Dose 1, JNJ-42847922

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

RandomizedDouble-BlindCONTROLLEDDMC
Total Trials15
Total Enrollment3,901

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

Seltorexant clinical trials

Seltorexant · 15 trials · 7 indications

Phase 3 4Phase 2 5Phase 1 6
NCT07573176A Study of Seltorexant as Monotherapy in Adults and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive DisorderDepressive Disorder, Major
RECRUITING600 Analytics
NCT06559306Phase 3 Study of Adjunctive Treatment With Seltorexant in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder and Insomnia SymptomsDepressive Disorder, Major
RECRUITING752 Analytics
NCT04533529A Study of Seltorexant as Adjunctive Therapy to Antidepressants in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder With Insomnia Symptoms Who Have Responded Inadequately to Antidepressant and Long-term Safety Extension Treatment With SeltorexantDepressive Disorder, Major
COMPLETED588 Analytics
NCT04513912A Study of Seltorexant Compared to Quetiapine XR as Adjunctive Therapy to Antidepressants in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder With Insomnia Symptoms Who Have Responded Inadequately to Antidepressant TherapyDepressive Disorder, Major
COMPLETED757 Analytics
PHASE3RECRUITING
A Study of Seltorexant as Monotherapy in Adults and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder
Depressive Disorder, MajorUnlock trial analytics
PHASE3RECRUITING
Phase 3 Study of Adjunctive Treatment With Seltorexant in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder and Insomnia Symptoms
Depressive Disorder, MajorUnlock trial analytics
PHASE3COMPLETED
A Study of Seltorexant as Adjunctive Therapy to Antidepressants in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder With Insomnia Symptoms Who Have Responded Inadequately to Antidepressant and Long-term Safety Extension Treatment With Seltorexant
Depressive Disorder, MajorUnlock trial analytics
PHASE3COMPLETED
A Study of Seltorexant Compared to Quetiapine XR as Adjunctive Therapy to Antidepressants in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder With Insomnia Symptoms Who Have Responded Inadequately to Antidepressant Therapy
Depressive Disorder, MajorUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Double Blind (DB) Treatment Phase: Change from Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score in Participants with Major Depressive Disorder with Moderate-to-Severe Insomnia Symptoms (MDDIS)
Baseline up to Day 43

The MADRS is a clinician-administered scale designed to measure depression severity and detects changes due to antidepressant treatment. The scale consists of 10 items, each of which is scored from 0 (item not present or normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of the symptoms), for a total possible score of 60. Higher scores represent a more severe condition.

Open-Label (OL) Treatment Phase: Number of Participants with Adverse Events Including Adverse Event of Special Interests (AESIs)
OL Baseline (Day 43) Up to 6 months

An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant administered with a pharmaceutical (investigational or non investigational) product. An AE does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the intervention. The following AESIs are considered in this study: Suicidal thoughts, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior; Cataplexy; Sleep paralysis; Complex, sleep-related behaviors/parasomnias; Fall and Motor vehicle accident.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants with Vital Signs Abnormalities
OL Baseline (Day 43) Up to 6 months

Number of participants with vital signs (blood pressure and pulse/heart rate measurements) abnormalities will be reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants with Suicidality Assessment using Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
OL Baseline (Day 43) Up to 6 months

The C-SSRS is a low-burden measure of the spectrum of suicidal ideation and behavior that was developed to assess severity and track suicidal events through any treatment. The C-SSRS scale consists of 28 items in 4 sections: suicide behavior, actual attempts, suicidal ideation, and intensity of ideation. Suicidal ideation consists of 5 'yes/no' items: wish to be dead, non-specific active suicidal thoughts, active suicidal ideation with any methods (not plan) without intention to act, active suicidal ideation with some intent to act without specific plan, active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants with Withdrawal Symptoms Assessment Using Physician Withdrawal Checklist (PWC-20)
End of Treatment/Early withdrawal to end of the Follow-up visit (up to 14 days)

Potential withdrawal effects will be assessed by the PWC-20. The PWC-20 is a simple and accurate method used to assess potential withdrawal symptoms following cessation of treatment. The PWC-20 is a reliable and sensitive instrument for the assessment of discontinuation symptoms.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants with Abnormalities in Electrocardiogram (ECG)
OL Baseline (Day 43) up to 6 months

Number of participants with abnormalities in ECG will be reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants Reporting Sexual Functioning using Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX)
Up to 6 months

The ASEX is a patient-reported 5-item rating scale that quantifies sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. Possible total scores range from 5 to 30, with the higher scores indicating more sexual dysfunction. The scale has shown satisfactory reliability and validity.

OL Treatment Phase: Change from Baseline in the Body Weight
OL Baseline (Day 43) up to 6 months

Change from baseline in body weight will be reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Change from Baseline in the Body Mass Index (BMI)
OL Baseline (Day 43) up to 6 months

Change from baseline in BMI will be reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Change from Baseline in the Waist Circumference
OL Baseline (Day 43) up to 6 months

Change from baseline in waist circumference will be reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants with Abnormalities in Clinical Laboratory Parameters
OL Baseline (Day 43) up to 6 months

Number of participants with laboratory abnormalities related to hematology, serum chemistry will be reported.

Part 1: Change from Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score at Day 43
Baseline, Day 43

The MADRS is a clinician-administered scale designed to measure depression severity and detects changes due to antidepressant treatment. The scale consists of 10 items, each of which is scored from 0 (item not present or normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of the symptoms), for a total possible score of 60. Higher scores represent a more severe condition.

Part 2: Time from Randomization to the First Relapse in Participants Who Achieve a Stable Response
Time from randomization to the first Relapse during the maintenance phase (up to 2 years and 10 months)

Stable response is defined as a greater than equal to (\>=) 50 percent (%) reduction in the MADRS total score for the last 3 consecutive visits of the OL stabilization Phase, as assessed by the site investigator. Time from randomization to the first relapse during the DB maintenance phase in participants who achieve a stable response at the end of OL seltorexant treatment will be reported.

Double Blind (DB) Treatment Phase: Change From Baseline to Day 43 in Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score- Estimand 1
Baseline (Day 1), Day 43

The MADRS is a clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity and detected changes due to antidepressant intervention. Scale has 10 items(apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, reduced sleep, reduced appetite, concentration difficulties, lassitude, inability to feel, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts) each of which was scored from 0 (not present or normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms). MADRS total score is sum of scores from individual question items, which ranged from 0 to 60. Higher scores indicates more severe condition. Negative changes in MADRS total score indicates improvement.

Open Label (OL) Treatment Phase: Number of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)
From start of the treatment in OL phase (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) up to 2 days after last dose in OL phase (up to 52.28 weeks)

An adverse event (AE) was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participants administered a medicinal (investigational or non-investigational) product. An AE does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the study drug. Treatment emergent AEs was defined as any AE occurred at or after the initial administration of study intervention through the day of last dose plus 2 days.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants With Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI)
From start of the treatment in OL phase (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) up to 2 days after last dose in OL phase (up to 52.28 weeks)

AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participants administered a medicinal (investigational or non-investigational) product. An AE does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the study drug. Treatment emergent AEs was defined as any AE occurred at or after the initial administration of study intervention through the day of last dose plus 2 days. The AEs considered to be of special interest: cataplexy, sleep paralysis, complex, sleep-related behaviors/parasomnias such as confusional arousals, somnambulism, sleep terrors, bruxism, sleep sex, sleep-related eating disorder, and catathrenia, fall, motor vehicle accident.

OL Treatment Phase: Change From Baseline in Vital Signs: Blood Pressure
OL Baseline (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) and Week 52

Change from baseline in vital signs: systolic/diastolic blood pressure were reported. Blood pressure measurements were assessed with the participant in a sitting position using a completely automated device.

OL Treatment Phase: Change From Baseline: Body Mass Index (BMI)
OL Baseline (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) and Week 52

Change from baseline in BMI were reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Change From Baseline in Vital Signs: Temperature
OL Baseline (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) and Week 52

Change from baseline in vital signs: temperature were reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Change From Baseline in Vital Signs: Pulse Rate
OL Baseline (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) and Week 52

Change from baseline in vital signs: pulse rate were reported. Pulse rate measurements were assessed with the participant in a sitting position using a completely automated device.

OL Treatment Phase: Change From Baseline in Weight
OL Baseline (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) and Week 52

Change from baseline in weight was reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Change From Baseline in Waist Circumference
OL Baseline (OL Day 1 [Day 43 from study baseline]) and Week 52

Change from baseline in waist circumference were reported.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants With Shift From Baseline in Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
From DB Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 52

C-SSRS is a clinician-rated instrument that reports severity and frequency of suicide-related ideation and behaviors. Suicidal ideation was classified on a 5-item scale: 1 (wish to be dead), 2 (non-specific active suicidal thoughts), 3 (suicidal ideation without plan and intent), 4 (suicidal ideation intent to act without plan), and 5 (suicidal ideation with plan and intent), Suicidal behavior is classified on a 5-item scale: 6 (preparatory acts or behavior), 7 (aborted attempt), 8 (interrupted attempt), 9 (actual attempt), and 10 (suicide). Total score from 10 categories was summarized into 3 categories: No suicidal ideation or behavior(0), suicidal ideation (1-5), suicidal behavior (6-10). Total score ranged from 0 to 10, higher total scores indicate more suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behavior. Categories with at least 1 non-zero data values are reported.

OL Follow Up Phase: Physician Withdrawal Checklist (PWC-20) Total Scores at Start of OL Follow Up
Start of OL Follow Up (Week 52)

The PWC-20 was a simple and accurate method used to assess potential withdrawal symptoms following cessation of treatment. The PWC-20 was a reliable and sensitive instrument for the assessment of discontinuation symptoms. The assessment has 20 items (loss of appetite, nausea-vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety-nervousness, irritability, dysphoric mood-depression, insomnia, fatigue, poor coordination, restlessness, diaphoresis, tremor, dizziness, headaches, muscle aches or stiffness, weakness, increased acuity sound smell touch, paresthesia, difficulty concentrating-remember, depersonalization-derealization) evaluated to detect withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms are rated on a scale: 0-3, 0 =not present, 1=mild, 2 =moderate, and 3 =severe. The total PWC-20 score was the sum of 20 item scores and ranged from 0 to 60. The higher score indicates more severe symptoms.

OL Follow Up Phase: Physician Withdrawal Checklist (PWC-20) Total Scores at Follow up Visit 1
Follow up Visit 1: 1 day after end of OL phase (Week 52.14)

The PWC-20 was a simple and accurate method used to assess potential withdrawal symptoms following cessation of treatment. The PWC-20 was a reliable and sensitive instrument for the assessment of discontinuation symptoms. The assessment has 20 items (loss of appetite, nausea-vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety-nervousness, irritability, dysphoric mood-depression, insomnia, fatigue, poor coordination, restlessness, diaphoresis, tremor, dizziness, headaches, muscle aches or stiffness, weakness, increased acuity sound smell touch, paresthesia, difficulty concentrating-remember, depersonalization-derealization) evaluated to detect withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms are rated on a scale: 0-3, 0 =not present, 1=mild, 2 =moderate, and 3 =severe. The total PWC-20 score was the sum of 20 item scores and ranged from 0 to 60. The higher score indicates more severe symptoms.

OL Follow Up Phase: Physician Withdrawal Checklist (PWC-20) Total Scores at Follow up Visit 2
Follow Up Visit 2: 2 weeks after end of OL phase (Week 54)

The PWC-20 was a simple and accurate method used to assess potential withdrawal symptoms following cessation of treatment. The PWC-20 was a reliable and sensitive instrument for the assessment of discontinuation symptoms. The assessment has 20 items (loss of appetite, nausea-vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety-nervousness, irritability, dysphoric mood-depression, insomnia, fatigue, poor coordination, restlessness, diaphoresis, tremor, dizziness, headaches, muscle aches or stiffness, weakness, increased acuity sound smell touch, paresthesia, difficulty concentrating-remember, depersonalization-derealization)evaluated to detect withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms are rated on a scale: 0-3, 0 =not present, 1=mild, 2 =moderate, and 3 =severe. The total PWC-20 score was the sum of 20 item scores and ranged from 0 to 60. The higher score indicates more severe symptoms.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants With Electrocardiogram (ECG) Abnormalities
Week 52

Number of participants with ECG abnormalities during OL treatment phase was reported. ECG abnormalities were assessed as per investigator's discretion.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Laboratory Abnormalities
From DB Baseline (Day 1) to Week 52

Laboratory parameters: hematology (platelet count, red blood cell \[RBC\] count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophils (Segmented/Leukocytes), lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils/leukocytes \[Eos/Leu\], basophils, Reticulocytes/ Erythrocytes \[Reti/Ery\]); chemistry (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, creatinine, Creatine Kinase, glucose, aspartate transaminase \[AST\], alanine transaminase \[ALT\], gamma-glutamyl transferase \[GGT\], alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, phosphate, albumin, total protein, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, Triglycerides); urine (specific gravity, pH, glucose, blood, bilirubin, urobilinogen, RBC). Clinically significant abnormalities (low/high) were determined at the investigator's discretion. Only those categories in which at least one participant had data were reported in this outcome measure.

OL Treatment Phase: Number of Participants With Sexual Dysfunction as Determined by Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) Score
Week 52

ASEX is a five-item rating scale that quantifies sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. Each of the 5 items is rated on a 6-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 to 6. The 5 items are summed to create a total score, ranging from 5 to 30, with the higher scores indicating more sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is defined as an ASEX total score of 19 or greater, or a score of 5 or greater on any item, or a score of 4 or greater on any 3 items.

Percentage of Participants with Response (>=50 Percent improvement in MADRS total score from baseline) at Week 26
Week 26

Responders are defined as percentage of participants with greater than or equal to (\>=) 50 percent (%) improvement in the montgomery-asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) total score from baseline. MADRS is a clinician-administered scale designed to measure depression severity and detects changes due to antidepressant treatment. The MADRS evaluates the following 10 items: apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, reduced sleep, reduced appetite, concentration difficulties, lassitude, inability to feel, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts. Each item is scored from 0 (item not present or normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of the symptoms), for a total possible score of 60. Higher scores represent a more severe condition.

Change From Baseline in Neuropsychiatric Inventory Clinician Version (NPI-C) Sum of Agitation and Aggression Domain Scores (NPI-C A+A) at Day 43: Analyzed Under Estimand 1
Baseline (Day 1) and Day 43

The NPI-12, measure of psychobehavioral disturbances assessed frequency and severity of disturbances in 12 domains, based on a caregiver interview. Frequency for each domain was rated on a 4-point scale (from 1=rarely to 4=very often) and severity on a 3-point scale (from 1=mild to 3=severe), with the score for each domain being product of frequency and severity scores, such that each domain was scored from 1 to 12. The NPI-12 total score was the sum of 12 domain scores, ranging from 0 (best) to 144 (worst), higher score represented greater frequency and worst severity of the symptoms. NPI-C was an instrument developed on basis of original NPI that gives a score based on product of frequency and severity ratings of 12 symptom domains that were summed to a total score. NPI-C domains: agitation and aggression NPI-C A+A were scored based on both caregiver and participant interviews and score ranged from 0 (does not occur) to 63 (severe). Higher scores indicated more severity.

Change From Baseline in NPI-C A+A at Day 43: Analyzed Under Estimand 2
Baseline (Day 1) and Day 43

The NPI-12, measure of psychobehavioral disturbances assessed frequency and severity of disturbances in 12 domains, based on a caregiver interview. Frequency for each domain was rated on a 4-point scale (from 1=rarely to 4=very often) and severity on a 3-point scale (from 1=mild to 3=severe), with the score for each domain being product of frequency and severity scores, such that each domain was scored from 1 to 12. The NPI-12 total score was the sum of 12 domain scores, ranging from 0 (best) to 144 (worst), higher score represented greater frequency and worst severity of the symptoms. NPI-C was an instrument developed on the basis of original NPI that gives a score based on product of frequency and severity ratings of 12 symptom domains that were summed to a total score. NPI-C domains: agitation and aggression NPI-C A+A were scored based on both caregiver and participant interviews and score ranged from 0 (does not occur) to 63 (severe). Higher scores indicated more severity.

Time to All-Cause Discontinuation of Study Drug
Up to Week 24

Time to all-cause discontinuation of study drug is defined as the number of days from the first dose of study drug to the last dose of study drug. Participants who completed double-blind treatment were not considered to have discontinued.

Change From Baseline in Latency to Persistent Sleep (LPS) as Measured by Polysomnography (PSG) on Night 1
Baseline and Night 1

Change in LPS was measured on Night 1 by PSG. LPS is the time in minutes from 'lights out' that marks the starting of total recording time to the first epoch recorded as sleep. The LPS change from baseline on Night 1 was calculated as (LPS at Night 1 minus Baseline LPS). Negative changes in LPS indicated improvement.

Change From Baseline to Week 6 in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score
Baseline to Week 6

MADRS is a clinician-administered scale designed to measure depression severity and detects changes due to antidepressant treatment. The MADRS evaluates the following 10 items: apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, reduced sleep, reduced appetite, concentration difficulties, lassitude, inability to feel, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts. Each item is scored from 0 (item not present or normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of the symptoms), for a total possible score range of 0-60 which is calculated by adding the scores of all 10 items. Higher scores represent a more severe condition.

Percentage of Participants With Treatment-emergent Adverse Events as a Measure of Safety and Tolerability
Up to Week 8

An adverse event (AE) was any untoward medical occurrence in a participant who received study drug without regard to possibility of causal relationship. Treatment-emergent were events between the initial administration of study drug and 2 days after the last administration of study drug.

Percentage of Participants With Clinically Significant Laboratory Abnormalities
Up to Week 8

Percentage of participants with clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were reported which included Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Albumin , bicarbonate, bilirubin, calcium, chloride, cholesterol, creatinine, direct bilirubin, glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urate, and urea nitrogen.

Change From Baseline in Vital Signs (Systolic Blood Pressure [SBP] and Diastolic Blood Pressure [DBP]) at Day 8
Baseline and Day 8

Change from baseline in vital signs (SBP and DBP) at Day 8 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Signs (SBP and DBP) at Day 22
Baseline and Day 22

Change from baseline in vital signs (SBP and DBP) at Day 22 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Signs (SBP and DBP) at Day 42
Baseline and Day 42

Change from baseline in vital signs (SBP and DBP) at Day 42 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Signs (SBP and DBP) at Endpoint (Week 6)
Baseline and Endpoint (Week 6)

Change from baseline in vital signs (SBP and DBP) at endpoint was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (Pulse Rate [PR]) at Day 8
Baseline and Day 8

Change from baseline in vital sign (PR) at Day 8 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (PR) at Day 22
Baseline and Day 22

Change from baseline in vital sign (PR) at Day 22 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (PR) at Day 42
Baseline and Day 42

Change from baseline in vital sign (PR) at Day 42 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (PR) at Endpoint (Week 6)
Baseline and Endpoint (Week 6)

Change from baseline in vital sign (PR) at endpoint (Week 6) was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (Temperature) at Day 8
Baseline and Day 8

Change from baseline in vital Sign (temperature) at Day 8 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (Temperature) at Day 22
Baseline and Day 22

Change from baseline in vital Sign (temperature) at Day 22 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (Temperature) at Day 42
Baseline and Day 42

Change from baseline in vital Sign (temperature) at Day 42 was reported.

Change From Baseline in Vital Sign (Temperature) at Endpoint (Week 6)
Baseline and Endpoint (Week 6)

Change from baseline in vital Sign (temperature) at endpoint (Week 6) was reported.

Change From Baseline in Physical Examination (Waist Circumference) at Day 42
Baseline and Day 42

Change from baseline in physical examination (waist circumference) was reported.

Change From Baseline in Physical Examination (Body Weight) at Day 42
Baseline and Day 42

Change from baseline in physical examination (body weight) was reported.

Change From Baseline in Physical Examination (Body Mass Index [BMI]) at Day 42
Baseline and Day 42

Change from baseline in physical examination (BMI) was reported.

Percentage of Participants With Treatment-emergent Abnormal Electrocardiogram (ECG) Values Outside Pre-defined Limits
Up to Week 6

Percentage of participants with treatment-emergent abnormal ECG values (Heart rate less than or equal to \[\<=\] 50 or greater than or equal to \[\>=\] 100 beats per minute \[bpm\], PR interval \<=120 or \>=200 milliseconds \[msec\], QRS interval \<=60 or \>=120 msec, and QT interval \<=200 or \>=500 msec) outside pre-defined limits were reported.

Percentage of Participants With Most Severe Post-baseline Potentially Suicide-Related Category Using Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
Up to Week 8

C-SSRS is a clinician-rated instrument that reports severity of both suicidal ideation and behavior. Suicidal ideation was classified on a 5-item scale: 1 (wish to be dead), 2 (nonspecific active suicidal thoughts), 3 (active suicidal ideation with any methods \[not plan\] without intent to act), 4 (active suicidal ideation with some intent to act, without specific plan), and 5 (active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent). Suicidal behavior is classified on a 5-item scale: 0 (no suicidal behavior), 1 (preparatory acts or behavior), 2 (aborted attempt), 3 (interrupted attempt), and 4 (actual attempt). More than 1 classification can be selected provided they represent separate episodes. Minimum total score 0, maximum total score 5; higher total scores indicate more suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behavior. If no events qualify for score of 1 to 10, score of 0 was assigned (0= "no event that can be assessed on the basis of C-SSRS"). Higher scores indicate greater severity.

Change From Baseline in Sexual Functioning as Measured by Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) Score at Day 42
Baseline and Day 42

Effect on sexual functioning was assessed using the ASEX score. The ASEX is a five-item rating scale that quantifies sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. Each of the 5 items is rated on a 6-point scale, ranging from 1 to 6. The 5 items are summed to create a total score, ranging from 5 to 30, with the higher scores indicating more sexual dysfunction.

Physician Withdrawal Checklist-20 (PWC-20) Total Score at Day 43
Day 43

Intensity of discontinuation symptoms was assessed (for example: underlying depression; anxiety-nervousness; dysphoric mood/depression; difficulty concentrating; weakness; fatigue-lethargy-lack of energy; irritability), using the Physician Withdrawal Checklist (PWC-20) administered by a trained clinician/rater. Symptoms are rated on a scale 0 (No symptom present) and 3 (severe symptoms). Total scores range from 0 to 24 calculated by adding the scores of following 8 items: Nausea-Vomiting, Diarrhea, Poor Coordination, Diaphoresis, Tremor-Tremulousness, Dizziness-Lightheadedness, Increased Acuity Sound Smell Touch, Paresthesias. Higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.

Physician Withdrawal Checklist-20 (PWC-20) Total Score From Day 49 to Day 56
Day 49 to Day 56

Intensity of discontinuation symptoms was assessed (for example: underlying depression; anxiety-nervousness; dysphoric mood/depression; difficulty concentrating; weakness; fatigue-lethargy-lack of energy; irritability), using the Physician Withdrawal Checklist (PWC-20) administered by a trained clinician/rater. Symptoms are rated on a scale 0 (No symptom present) and 3 (severe symptoms). Total scores range from 0 to 24 calculated by adding the scores of following 8 items: Nausea-Vomiting, Diarrhea, Poor Coordination, Diaphoresis, Tremor-Tremulousness, Dizziness-Lightheadedness, Increased Acuity Sound Smell Touch, Paresthesias. Higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.

Sleep Efficiency by Polysomnography
up to Night 5

The total sleep time divided by the total time in bed (that is, the number of minutes from the beginning of the Polysomnography recording to the end of the recording).

Maximum Observed Plasma Analyte Concentration (Cmax) of JNJ-42847922 and its Metabolites A and B
Pre-dose, up to 96 hours post-dose (up to Day 5)

Cmax is defined as maximum observed plasma analyte concentration of JNJ-42847922 and its metabolites A and B.

Area Under Plasma Analyte Concentration versus Time Curve from Time 0 to Time of Last Measurable Concentration (AUC [0-Last]) of JNJ-42847922 and its Metabolites A and B
Pre-dose, up to 96 hours post-dose (up to Day 5)

AUC(0-Last) is defined as area under the plasma analyte concentration versus time curve from time 0 to time of last measurable concentration of JNJ-42847922 and its metabolites A and B.

Area Under the Plasma Analyte Concentration versus Time Curve from Time 0 to Infinite Time (AUC[0-Infinity]) of JNJ-42847922 and its Metabolites A and B
Pre-dose, up to 96 hours post-dose (up to Day 5)

AUC(0-infinity) is defined as the area under the plasma analyte concentration versus time curve from time 0 to infinite time of JNJ-42847922 and its metabolites A and B.

Driving Performance as Assessed by the Mean Difference of SDLP From an on-road Driving Test
Day 2

In the participants with major depressive disorder (MDD), driving performance will be assessed by the mean difference of standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) from an on-road driving test to evaluate the effect of seltorexant dose 1, compared to placebo, as an add-on medication to an antidepressant.

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) Score as Measured by Polysomnography (PSG)
Day 4

AHI score is used to indicate the severity of sleep apnea. The AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apnea events by the number of hours of sleep. The AHI values for adults are categorized as: Normal: AHI less than (\<)5, Mild sleep apnea: 5 less than or equal to (\<=) AHI \<15, Moderate sleep apnea: 15\<= AHI \<30, and Severe sleep apnea: AHI greater than or equal to (\>=)30.

Change From Baseline in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 (HDRS17) Total Score
Baseline up to Day 57

The HDRS17 is a Clinician-Administered rating scale designed to assess the severity of symptoms in participants diagnosed with depression with a total score range of 0 to 52. It is the most widely used symptom severity measure for depression. Each of the 17 items is rated by the clinician on either a 3- point (0 to 2) or a 5-point scale (0 to 4). The point scale uses a rating of 0 (absent), 1 (doubtful to mild), 2 (mild to moderate), 3 (moderate to severe), and 4 (very severe). Total score will be calculated by summing up the individual item score. The higher the score, the more severe the depression.

Change From Baseline in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 (HDRS17) Sleep Item-Adjusted Total Score
Baseline up to Day 57

The HDRS17 is a Clinician-Administered rating scale designed to assess the severity of symptoms in participants diagnosed with depression with a score range of 0 to 52. It is the most widely used symptom severity measure for depression. Each of the 17 items is rated by the clinician on either a 3- point (0 to 2) or a 5-point scale (0 to 4). The point scale uses a rating of 0 (absent), 1 (doubtful to mild), 2 (mild to moderate), 3 (moderate to severe), and 4 (very severe). Higher scores indicate worsening. HDRS17 Sleep Item-Adjusted is derived from the HDRS17 scale excluding the 3 sleep items (4, 5, and 6) from the total score.

Change From Baseline in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 (HDRS17) Anxiety/Somatization Factor Score
Baseline up to Day 57

The HDRS17 anxiety/somatization factor derived from Cleary and Guy's factor analysis of the HDRS scale, includes six items from the original 17-item version: the items for psychic anxiety, somatic anxiety, gastrointestinal somatic symptoms, general somatic symptoms, hypochondriasis, and insight. Anxious depression is often defined as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with high levels of anxiety symptoms, as reflected in an anxiety/ somatization factor score greater than or equal to (\>=) 7. The score ranges from 0 to 18, with higher scores indicating greater severity of symptoms.

Change From Baseline in 6 Item Subscale From HDRS17 (HAM-D6) Score
Baseline up to Day 57

The 6-Item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-6), derived by the sum of HAMD-17 items (the six items in the HAM-D6 are: depressed mood, guilt feelings, work and interests, psychomotor retardation, psychic anxiety, and general somatics \[tiredness and pains\]), evaluates "core" symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Total subscale scores range from 0 (normal) to 22 (severe). The higher the score, the more severe the depression.

Number of Participants With Adverse Events (AEs) or Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
Screening until follow-up phase (up to 12 months)

An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a participant who received study drug without regard to possibility of causal relationship. An SAE is an AE resulting in any of the following outcomes or deemed significant for any other reason: death; initial or prolonged inpatient hospitalization; lifethreatening experience (immediate risk of dying); persistent or significant disability/incapacity; congenital anomaly.

Latency to Persistent Sleep (LPS) on Day 1
Day 1

LPS is with lights off, appearance of first epoch of Stage 1 (light sleep), Stage 2 (light sleep), Stage 3 (deep sleep), and Stage 4 (rapid eye movement sleep) sleep followed by at least 20 consecutive epochs without any Stage 0 sleep (awake but sleepy). LPS will be accessed on Day 1 of each treatment period (Periods 1, 2, 3, and 4).

Secondary Endpoints

DB Treatment Phase: Change from Baseline in MADRS-Without Sleep Item (WOSI) Total Score
Baseline up to Day 43
DB Treatment Phase: Change from Baseline in Sleep Disturbance using Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-Sleep Disturbance (PROMIS-SD) Short Form 10a(8a + 2a ) T-score
Baseline up to Day 43
DB Treatment phase: Change from Baseline in MADRS-6 Total Score
Baseline up to Day 43
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationRANDOMIZED
MaskingDOUBLE
ModelPARALLEL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
SeltorexantEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive seltorexant tablet orally once daily, from Day 1 to Day 42 in double blind (DB) treatment phase. Eligible participants who will enter the open label (OL) treatment phase will receive seltorexant tablet daily from OL baseline until the end of phase/ early withdrawal (EW) visit (up to 6 months).
PlaceboPLACEBO_COMPARATORParticipants will receive matching placebo tablet orally once daily from Day 1 to Day 42 in double-blind treatment phase. Eligible participants who will enter the OL treatment phase will receive seltorexant tablet daily from OL baseline until the end of phase/ EW visit (up to 6 months).
Part 1: SeltorexantEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive seltorexant orally once daily for 6 weeks during the double-blind (DB) treatment phase in Part 1 of the study. Participants who do not proceed to Part 2 of the study will undergo a post-treatment follow-up phase, after the DB treatment phase in Part 1 and will continue to take their single baseline selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant throughout the study.
Part 1: PlaceboPLACEBO_COMPARATORParticipants will receive matching placebo orally once daily for 6 weeks during the DB treatment phase in Part 1 of the study. Participants who do not proceed to Part 2 of the study will undergo a post-treatment follow-up phase, after the DB treatment phase in Part 1 and will continue to take their single baseline SSRI/SNRI antidepressant throughout the study.
Part 2: Open Label (OL) SeltorexantEXPERIMENTALAll participants who complete Part 1, and who meet eligibility criteria for Part 2, as well as direct entry participants, will enter Part 2 of the study. In Part 2 open-label phases (induction and stabilization) all participants (newly enrolled direct entry participants and Part 1 roll-over participants) will receive seltorexant orally in addition to their background SSRI/SNRI treatment.
Part 2: DB SeltorexantEXPERIMENTALAll participants who complete Part 1, and who meet eligibility criteria for Part 2, as well as direct entry participants, will enter Part 2 of the study. Participants who achieve a stable response during the open-label phase will receive treatment with seltorexant orally once daily during DB Maintenance Phase in Part 2 of the study. Participants will continue to take their single baseline SSRI/SNRI antidepressant throughout the study.
Part 2: DB PlaceboPLACEBO_COMPARATORAll participants who complete Part 1, and who meet eligibility criteria for Part 2, as well as direct entry participants, will enter Part 2 of the study. Participants who achieve a stable response during the open-label phases will receive treatment with matching placebo orally once daily during DB Maintenance Phase in Part 2 of the study. Participants will continue to take their single baseline SSRI/SNRI antidepressant throughout the study.
Quetiapine Extended-Release (XR)ACTIVE_COMPARATORAdult participants will receive quetiapine XR once daily from Day 1-2, followed by an increase in dose from Day 3-7, and from Day 8-14 together with matching placebo. After Day 14, quetiapine XR twice daily from Day 14 till Day 182. Elderly participants will receive quetiapine XR once daily from Day 1-3 and twice from Day 4-7, followed by an increase in dose once daily from Day 8-14 together with matching placebo. After Day 14 till Day 182, quetiapine XR will be adjusted by investigator based on the participant's clinical response and tolerability.
JNJ-42847922EXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive 20 mg of JNJ-42847922 as a starting dose and matching placebo (1 capsule of 20 mg JNJ-42847922 and 1 capsule of matching placebo) once daily for 14 days. After Day 14, if needed, JNJ-42847922 dose can be increased to 40 mg (2\*20 mg capsules) and flexible dose of JNJ-42847922 (20 or 40 mg) will be taken once daily until Day 167. Dose of JNJ-42847922 (20 or 40 mg) will be adjusted by investigator based on the participant's clinical response and tolerability. Participants will continue to take their baseline selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant as a part of background therapy (at the same dose, without change, every day and at approximately the same time as prior to entering the study) throughout the screening, double-blind, and follow-up phases.
JNJ-42847922 5 milligram (mg)EXPERIMENTALParticipant will receive JNJ-42847922 5 mg dose as oral capsules at normal study bedtime on Nights 1 through 14.
JNJ-42847922 10 mg plus PlaceboEXPERIMENTALParticipant will receive JNJ-42847922 10 mg as oral capsule and one placebo capsule at normal study bedtime on Nights 1 through 14.
JNJ-42847922 20 mg plus PlaceboEXPERIMENTALParticipant will receive JNJ-42847922 20 mg as oral capsule and one placebo capsule at normal study bedtime on Nights 1 through 14.
Zolpidem plus PlaceboEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive Zolpidem 5 mg plus one placebo capsule or 10 mg dose as oral capsule at normal study bedtime on Nights 1 through 14.
JNJ-42847922 then PlaceboEXPERIMENTALParticipants receive 2\*20 milligram (mg) tablet of JNJ-42847922 orally once daily from Day 1 to Day 5 of period 1. After a washout period of 5 to 9 days participants will receive matching placebo from Day 1 to Day 5 of period 2.
Placebo then JNJ-42847922EXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive matching placebo from Day 1 to Day 5 of period 1. After a washout period of 5 to 9 days participants will receive 2\*20 mg tablet of JNJ-42847922 orally once daily from Day 1 to Day 5 of period 2.
Parts 1 and 2: Cohort 1 (JNJ-42847922)ACTIVE_COMPARATORHealthy participants with normal renal function \[estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than or equal to (\>=) 90 milliliter (mL)/minute (min)\] will receive single oral dose of JNJ-42847922 on Day 1.
Part 1: Cohort 2 (JNJ-42847922)EXPERIMENTALParticipants with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min) will receive single oral dose of JNJ-42847922 on Day 1.
Part 2 (Optional): Cohort 3 (JNJ-42847922)EXPERIMENTALParticipants with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min) will receive single oral dose of JNJ-42847922 on Day 1.
Treatment Sequence CADBEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive placebo once daily (OD) at bedtime for 8 consecutive days from Day 1 to Day 8 (Treatment C) in Period 1 followed by Dose 1 of seltorexant tablets and placebo OD at bedtime for 8 consecutive days from Day 1 to Day 8 (Treatment A) in Period 2 followed by Dose 2 of seltorexant tablets OD at bedtime for 8 consecutive days from Day 1 to Day 8 (Treatment D) in Period 3 followed by zopiclone on Day 1 and Day 8 and placebo from Day 2 to Day 7 OD at bedtime (Treatment B) in Period 4. There will be a washout period of 5 to 21 days between each period.
Treatment Sequence ABCDEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive Treatment A in Period 1 followed by Treatment B in Period 2 followed by Treatment C in Period 3 followed by Treatment D in Period 4. There will be a washout period of 5 to 21 days between each period.
Treatment Sequence BDACEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive Treatment B in Period 1 followed by Treatment D in Period 2 followed by Treatment A in Period 3 followed by Treatment C in Period 4. There will be a washout period of 5 to 21 days between each period.
Treatment Sequence DCBAEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive Treatment D in Period 1 followed by Treatment C in Period 2 followed by Treatment B in Period 3 followed by Treatment A in Period 4. There will be a washout period of 5 to 21 days between each period.
Seltorexant Followed by PlaceboEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive seltorexant (40 milligram \[mg\] capsules) once daily for 4 consecutive days, and after a washout period of 7 to 10 days, participants will receive matching placebo orally once daily for 4 consecutive days.
Placebo Followed by SeltorexantEXPERIMENTALParticipants will receive placebo once daily for 4 consecutive days, and after a washout period of 7 to 10 days, participants will receive seltorexant (40 mg capsules) orally once daily for 4 consecutive days.
Lead-in period: PlaceboPLACEBO_COMPARATORParticipants who successfully complete the baseline examination visit at the clinical site/unit, will be treated with placebo (2 capsules taken orally) for the duration of the lead-in period which will last up to 3 weeks. Investigators and participants will be blinded to exact duration of each participant-specific lead-in period throughout the study.
Treatment period: JNJ-42847922 or PlaceboEXPERIMENTALPlacebo lead-in period responders and non-responders will be randomized to receive either placebo or 20 milligram (mg) JNJ-42847922 or 40 mg JNJ-42847922 for 5 Weeks. Participants will swallow JNJ-42847922 20 mg (2\*10-mg capsules) or JNJ-42847922 40 mg (2\*20-mg capsules) or 2 matching placebo capsules once daily for 5 Weeks.
Withdrawal period: PlaceboPLACEBO_COMPARATORParticipants who will complete the treatment period prior to the end of Week 8 will enter the withdrawal period where they will be treated with placebo (2 capsules taken orally) for the remaining time of the double-blind phase of the study. Investigators and participants will be blinded to exact duration of each participant-specific withdrawal period.
DiphenhydramineEXPERIMENTALDiphenhydramine 25 mg capsule, orally, once daily, at bedtime for 10 days in women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or for 4 weeks in all other participants.
Cohort AEXPERIMENTAL5 participants will be included in this cohort. Participants will receive the study medications in the sequence of placebo (Period 1), JNJ-42847922 10 mg (Period 2), JNJ-42847922 20 mg (Period 3), and JNJ-42847922 40 mg (Period 4). Each treatment period and each subsequent treatment period will be separated by 1 week.
Cohort BEXPERIMENTAL5 participants will be included in this cohort. Participants will receive the study medications in the sequence of JNJ-42847922 10 mg (Period 1), JNJ-42847922 40 mg (Period 2), placebo (Period 3), and JNJ-42847922 20 mg (Period 4). Each subsequent treatment period will be separated by 1 week.
Cohort CEXPERIMENTAL5 participants will be included in this cohort. Participants will receive the study medications in the sequence of JNJ-42847922 20 mg (Period 1), placebo (Period 2), JNJ-42847922 40 mg (Period 3), and JNJ-42847922 10 mg (Period 4). Each subsequent treatment period will be separated by 1 week.
Cohort DEXPERIMENTAL5 participants will be included in this cohort. Participants will receive the study medications in the sequence of JNJ-42847922 40 mg (Period 1), JNJ-42847922 20 mg (Period 2), JNJ-42847922 10 mg (Period 3), and placebo (Period 4). Each subsequent treatment period will be separated by 1 week.

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
SeltorexantDRUGSeltorexant tablet will be administered orally.
PlaceboDRUGPlacebo tablet will be administered orally.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)/Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)DRUGSSRI/SNRI will be administered orally.
Matching placebo to SeltorexantDRUGParticipants will receive placebo over-encapsulated tablet matching to seltorexant orally.
Quetiapine XRDRUGParticipants will receive quetiapine XR capsule orally.
Matching placebo to Quetiapine XRDRUGParticipants will receive placebo capsule matching to quetiapine XR orally.
JNJ-42847922DRUGParticipants will receive JNJ-42847922 capsule orally.
Placebo Matching to JNJ-42847922DRUGParticipants will receive placebo capsule matching to JNJ-42847922 orally.
Placebo Matching to Quetiapine XRDRUGParticipants will receive placebo capsule matching to quetiapine XR orally.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)DRUGParticipants will receive SSRI antidepressant (such as, citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, vilazodone or vortioxetine) as a part of background therapy (at the same dose, without change, every day and at approximately the same time as prior to entering the study) throughout the screening, double-blind, and follow-up phases (approximately up to Week 26).
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)DRUGParticipants will receive SNRI antidepressant (such as duloxetine, milnacipran, levomilnacipran, venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine) as a part of background therapy (at the same dose, without change, every day and at approximately the same time as prior to entering the study) throughout the screening, double-blind, and follow-up phases (approximately up to Week 26).
JNJ-42847922, 5 mgDRUGJNJ-42847922 will be administered as 5 mg (2\*2.5 mg capsule) oral capsules once daily.
JNJ-42847922, 10 mgDRUGJNJ-42847922 will be administered as 10 mg oral capsule once daily.
JNJ-42847922, 20 mgDRUGJNJ-42847922 will be administered as 20 mg oral capsule once daily.
ZolpidemDRUGZolpidem will be administered as 5 mg or 10 mg (2\*5mg capsule) oral capsule once daily based upon the local labeling information.
Seltorexant Dose 1DRUGParticipants will receive Dose 1 of seltorexant OD from Day 1 to Day 8 as part of Treatment A as per assigned treatment sequence.
Seltorexant Dose 2DRUGParticipants will receive Dose 2 of seltorexant OD from Day 1 to Day 8 as part of Treatment D as per assigned treatment sequence.
ZopicloneDRUGParticipants will receive Dose 3 of zopiclone OD from Day 1 to Day 8 as a part of Treatment B as per assigned treatment sequence.
Seltorexant 40 mgDRUGSeltorexant 40 mg capsules (over-encapsulated tablets) will be administered orally.
JNJ-42847922 20mgDRUGParticipants will swallow 20 mg (2\*10 mg) JNJ-42847922 capsule orally for 5 weeks during treatment period.
JNJ-42847922 40mgDRUGParticipants will swallow 40 mg (2\*20 mg) JNJ-42847922 capsule orally for 5 weeks during treatment period.
DiphenhydramineDRUGDiphenhydramine 25 mg capsule, orally, once daily, at bedtime for 10 days in women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or for 4 weeks in all other participants.
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range18 Years to 74 Years
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites45

Inclusion criteria: * Meet diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-5th edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), without psychotic features based upon clinical assessment and confirmed by the SCID-CT diagnosed with first depressive episode prior to age 5...

Countries:United StatesBrazilCanadaChinaMalaysiaTaiwanArgentinaBulgariaColombiaCzechiaItalyMexicoPolandPortugalRomaniaSerbiaSlovakiaSpainSwedenTurkey (Türkiye)RussiaSouth AfricaBelgiumLatviaLithuaniaUkraineUnited KingdomFranceGermanyJapanFinlandNetherlands
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Recent Changes (Last 90 Days)

LOWOct 1, 2026NCT07573176lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWOct 1, 2026NCT07573176lastUpdatePostDate: changed
MEDIUMSep 25, 2026NCT06559306Completion: 2027-04-15 → 2027-12-15
MEDIUMSep 25, 2026NCT06559306Completion: 2027-04-15 → 2027-12-15
LOWAug 28, 2026NCT07573176lastUpdatePostDate: changed
MEDIUMAug 28, 2026NCT06559306Completion: 2026-12-30 → 2027-04-15
LOWAug 28, 2026NCT07573176lastUpdatePostDate: changed
MEDIUMAug 28, 2026NCT06559306Completion: 2026-12-30 → 2027-04-15
LOWJul 31, 2026NCT07573176lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWJul 31, 2026NCT06559306lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWJul 31, 2026NCT07573176lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWJul 31, 2026NCT06559306lastUpdatePostDate: changed

Frequently asked questions about Seltorexant

What is Seltorexant used for?

Seltorexant is being studied for major depressive disorder, including as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy in patients with insomnia symptoms. It is also being evaluated in Alzheimer disease and obstructive sleep apnea. It is an investigational drug and has not been approved for any indication.

What does Seltorexant target?

Seltorexant targets HCRTR2, the orexin-2 receptor, and acts as an antagonist. By blocking this receptor, it is designed to modulate sleep and wakefulness pathways. This mechanism is being explored in conditions where sleep disturbance and mood symptoms overlap.

Who is developing Seltorexant?

Seltorexant is being developed by Johnson & Johnson, which trades under the ticker JNJ. The company is running multiple clinical trials of the drug in major depressive disorder and other neurological and psychiatric conditions.

What phase is Seltorexant in?

Seltorexant is in Phase 3 development for major depressive disorder, with two Phase 3 trials currently recruiting. A Phase 2 trial in probable Alzheimer disease has been completed. It remains an investigational drug and is not FDA approved.

What clinical trials is Seltorexant in?

Seltorexant is being tested in several trials, including NCT07573176, a Phase 3 monotherapy study in major depressive disorder, and NCT06559306, a Phase 3 adjunctive study in major depressive disorder with insomnia symptoms. Completed trials include NCT05307692 in Alzheimer disease and NCT04533529 in major depressive disorder with insomnia symptoms.