Neuroscience Today — November 12, 2025

LucidQuest

6 days ago

This week’s neuroscience update spotlights key developments, regulatory milestones, and the latest progress shaping the biopharma landscape.

In Today’s Newsletter

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🧠 Roche’s fenebrutinib shows positive Phase III results in MS [1] [EU • 10 Nov 2025]

https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-11-10

Context: Fenebrutinib significantly reduced relapses in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and slowed disability progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

Key Point: These are the first positive Phase III results for a BTK inhibitor in both RMS and PPMS.

Implication: Fenebrutinib could become a game-changing treatment for MS, offering an oral option with high efficacy.

💊 FDA approves CAPLYTA® (lumateperone) for major depressive disorder [2] [US • 6 Nov 2025]

https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/fda-approval-of-caplyta-lumateperone-has-the-potential-to-reset-treatment-expectations-offering-hope-for-remission-in-adults-with-major-depressive-disorder

Context: The FDA approved CAPLYTA® as an adjunctive therapy for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), with promising efficacy and safety data.

Key Point: This approval marks CAPLYTA®’s fourth indication, offering hope for patients with residual depressive symptoms.

Implication: CAPLYTA® could reset treatment expectations and provide a path to remission for many MDD patients.

🔬 Eli Lilly pulls out of CNS collaboration with Rigel Pharmaceuticals [3] [US • 5 Nov 2025]

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/lilly-pulls-out-cns-portion-950m-rirpk1-inhibitor-collab-rigel

Context: Eli Lilly terminates the CNS portion of a $960 million deal with Rigel Pharmaceuticals on RIPK1 inhibitors.

Key Point: This marks a shift in focus for Lilly, though the collaboration on rheumatoid arthritis treatments continues.

Implication: This decision may impact the development of RIPK1 inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases, a growing area of interest.

🧠 MMI receives FDA IDE approval for Alzheimer’s microsurgery study [4] [US • 5 Nov 2025]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/11/05/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/mmi-receives-ide-approval-from-fda-for-first-robotic-microsurgical-study-in-alzheimers-patients/2216902

Context: MMI’s study will use robotic microsurgical techniques to treat Alzheimer’s patients by restoring lymphatic drainage in the brain.

Key Point: This marks a potential breakthrough in neurodegenerative disease treatment using robotics.

Implication: If successful, this approach could significantly impact Alzheimer’s care and open the door for new therapeutic strategies.

💊 Jupiter Neurosciences receives FDA clearance for Phase 2a trial in Parkinson’s disease [5] [US • 5 Nov 2025]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/11/05/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/jupiter-neurosciences-receives-fda-clearance-of-ind-application-to-initiate-phase-2a-clinical-trial-of-jotrol-in-parkinsons-disease/2216759

Context: Jupiter’s JOTROL™, a resveratrol-based treatment, receives FDA clearance for a Phase 2a trial in Parkinson’s disease.

Key Point: JOTROL has shown promising preclinical results, with a unique formulation for improved bioavailability.

Implication: This trial could offer new hope for Parkinson’s patients, with potential disease-modifying effects.

🔍 INBRAIN Neuroelectronics collaborates with Microsoft on AI for precision neurology [6] [EU/US • 10 Nov 2025]

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251109800738/en/INBRAIN-Neuroelectronics-Announces-Collaboration-with-Microsoft-to-Advance-Agentic-AI-for-Precision-Neurology-and-Brain-Computer-Interface-Therapeutics

Context: INBRAIN teams up with Microsoft to develop AI-powered brain-computer interfaces for personalized treatment of neurological conditions.

Key Point: The partnership will use advanced AI to create real-time, data-driven interventions for conditions like Parkinson’s and epilepsy.

Implication: This could revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders, providing highly personalized, precision care.

💥 Neurocrine Biosciences updates on Phase 2 study of NBI-1070770 in MDD [7] [US • 10 Nov 2025]

https://neurocrine.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/neurocrine-biosciences-provides-update-phase-2-study-nbi-1070770

Context: Neurocrine announces that its Phase 2 study of NBI-1070770 in major depressive disorder did not meet the primary endpoint.

Key Point: Despite the failure to meet endpoints, the data suggests areas for further exploration.

Implication: While disappointing, this trial update may lead to new directions for treating depression, and further analysis will guide next steps.

Why it Matters

Fenebrutinib for MS: Roche’s fenebrutinib could provide a much-needed oral option for patients with both RMS and PPMS, expanding the MS treatment landscape [1].
CAPLYTA® in MDD: FDA approval of CAPLYTA® offers a new hope for adults with major depressive disorder, particularly those with residual symptoms from antidepressant therapy [2].
RIPK1 inhibitors in CNS: The end of Eli Lilly’s CNS collaboration with Rigel may impact the development of RIPK1 inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s [3].
Robotic microsurgery for Alzheimer’s: The FDA’s IDE approval for MMI’s robotic intervention study could introduce a new way to treat Alzheimer’s by addressing lymphatic drainage [4].
JOTROL™ for Parkinson’s: JOTROL’s Phase 2 trial in Parkinson’s could provide a disease-modifying option for this debilitating condition [5].
AI in neurology: INBRAIN’s collaboration with Microsoft brings AI into real-time precision neurology, with potential to transform treatments for neurological disorders [6].
NBI-1070770 in MDD: While NBI-1070770 failed to meet endpoints, the study offers valuable insights that may inform future MDD treatments [7].

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FAQ

What is Roche’s fenebrutinib showing in MS trials?

Fenebrutinib has shown significant reduction in relapses in RMS and slowed disability progression in PPMS, positioning it as a potential first-in-class oral MS treatment [1].

What’s new with CAPLYTA® in major depressive disorder?

The FDA approved CAPLYTA® as adjunctive therapy for MDD, showing potential for remission and offering a treatment option for those not fully responding to antidepressants [2].

Why did Lilly pull out of the RIPK1 CNS collaboration?

Lilly ended its collaboration with Rigel on CNS diseases but continues to develop RIPK1 inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis [3].

What is the significance of MMI’s Alzheimer’s microsurgery study?

MMI’s study aims to use robotic surgery to treat Alzheimer’s by restoring lymphatic drainage, potentially improving brain function and slowing disease progression [4].

What is Jupiter Neurosciences developing for Parkinson’s disease?

Jupiter’s JOTROL™ is a resveratrol-based treatment, now advancing to Phase 2a trials, with potential neuroprotective effects for Parkinson’s disease [5].

How is AI being used in neurology?

INBRAIN is collaborating with Microsoft to develop AI-powered brain-computer interfaces for real-time precision treatment of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy [6].

What happened with Neurocrine’s NBI-1070770 in depression?

The Phase 2 study of NBI-1070770 for MDD did not meet its primary endpoint, but the company will continue to explore further potential for the drug [7].

Entities / Keywords

Roche; fenebrutinib; multiple sclerosis
Johnson & Johnson; CAPLYTA®; major depressive disorder
Eli Lilly; Rigel Pharmaceuticals; RIPK1 inhibitors; CNS diseases
MMI; robotic microsurgery; Alzheimer’s
Jupiter Neurosciences; JOTROL™; Parkinson’s disease
INBRAIN Neuroelectronics; AI; brain-computer interface
Neurocrine Biosciences; NBI-1070770; major depressive disorder