atai Life Sciences announced that, while PCN-101 (R-ketamine) demonstrated signals of efficacy across all timepoints out to two weeks, Perception Neuroscience's Phase 2a clinical trial did not meet its primary endpoint of a statistically significant change from baseline in participants' MADRS (Montgomery-A sberg Depression Rating Scale) score at 24 hours compared to placebo. The Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial was a two-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center study assessing the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a single IV administration of PCN-101. 102 TRD patients were enrolled across three arms 30mg, 60mg and placebo.

On the primary endpoint of MADRS at 24 hours, the mean change from baseline was -15.3 for PCN-101 60mg compared to- 13.7 for placebo (-1.6 pbo-adj; p-value 0.5). However, the single 60mg dose of PCN-101 showed an efficacy signal at each timepoint over the 2-week timeframe of the study. Key secondary endpoints included a proportion of patients defined as responders, meaning patients who experienced 50% improvement from baseline in MADRS, and a proportion of patients in remission, defined as a total MADRS score of less than 10.

Despite seeing greater response and remission rates in the 60mg arm, the trial did not meet statistical significance at any timepoint on these secondary measures. PCN-101 was generally well-tolerated with rates of sedation and dissociation comparable to placebo. PCN-101 demonstrated an encouraging safety profile and signals of efficacy across all timepoints despite not achieving statistical significance on the primary endpoint.

atai will further evaluate the PCN-101 data in more detail over the next weeks and will work with its subsidiary Perception Neuroscience to explore next steps, including but not limited to seeking strategic partnership options. PCN-101 Phase 2a Study Design The Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center study assessing the safety, tolerability and efficacy of IV PCN-101 (R-ketamine) in 102 patients with TRD across three arms. These patients -- all of whom had previously failed at least two rounds of antidepressants -- received a single IV dose of either placebo, 30 mg, or 60 mg of PCN-101 adjunctively to their existing treatment regimen. Patients were assessed for a change in depressive symptomatology using the Montgomery-A sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at intervals over 14 days, with the primary endpoint at 24 hours post-dose.

Dissociation and sedation were measured using the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) and the Modified Observer's Alertness/Sedation Scale (MOAA/S), respectively. About Perception Neuroscience Inc. Perception Neuroscience is a New York City-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to the mission of providing more effective treatment solutions for serious psychiatric disorders. It is developing PCN-101 (R-ketamine) for the treatment of TRD.

In March 2021, the company announced a collaboration and licensing agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. for rights in Japan to PCN-101. Perception Neuroscience is a majority-owned subsidiary of atai Life Sciences.