Johnson & Johnson's experimental drug, JNJ-5120/PIPE-307, failed its primary goal in a Phase 2 clinical trial for major depressive disorder (MDD). The MOONLIGHT-1 study did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to a placebo after five days of treatment.
The primary endpoint measured the change from baseline on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). This scale is a standard measure of depression severity. The study found the drug well-tolerated and identified no new safety concerns.
This marks the drug's second Phase 2 failure. It previously experienced a setback in a multiple sclerosis trial in late 2025. Johnson & Johnson continues to analyze the full data to determine the program's next steps.