Acadia Pharmaceuticals Submits Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for Trofinetide for the Treatment of Rett Syndrome
14.1.2025 18:19:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) today announced that the company has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome in adults and pediatric patients two years of age and older. If granted marketing authorization, trofinetide will be the first and only approved therapy for Rett syndrome in the European Union (EU). Trofinetide is already approved in the United States and Canada for Rett syndrome in adults and pediatric patients two years of age and older.
“This application underscores our continued dedication to the Rett community, and our commitment to making a meaningful impact for people living with Rett syndrome and their caregivers in the EU, who currently have no approved treatment options specifically for this condition,” said Catherine Owen Adams, Acadia’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to working with the EMA to address this unmet need in the hopes of potentially bringing this therapy to families who are impacted by Rett syndrome.”
The MAA is supported by positive results from the pivotal Phase 3 LAVENDER™ study evaluating the efficacy and safety of trofinetide versus placebo in 187 girls and young women five to 20 years of age with Rett syndrome. The co-primary endpoints were change from baseline in the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) total score, a caregiver assessment, and Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I) scale score, clinician perspective, at week 12; both were statistically significant. The RSBQ is a 45-item rating scale completed by the caregiver that assesses a range of symptoms of Rett syndrome (breathing, hand movements or stereotypies, repetitive behaviors, night-time behaviors, vocalizations, facial expressions, eye gaze, and mood). The key secondary endpoint measuring the change from baseline to week 12 in the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Development Profile™ Infant-Toddler Checklist–Social composite score (CSBS-DP-IT–Social) was also statistically significant when compared to placebo.1
“Rett syndrome is a severe and complex neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests differently in each affected person, leading to a wide range of symptoms over the course of their lives,” said Becky Jenner, President of Rett Syndrome Europe. “The Rett syndrome community in Europe is excited by the prospect of having an available treatment option. Rett syndrome has a significant impact on people living with this condition, and also impacts caregivers and families who often have to navigate challenging symptoms that impact their daily lives.”
About Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a rare, complex, neurodevelopmental disorder that may occur over four stages and occurs in approximately one of every 10,000 to 15,000 female births worldwide.2-4 A child with Rett syndrome exhibits an early period of apparently normal development until six to 18 months, when their skills seem to slow down or stagnate. This is typically followed by a duration of regression when the child loses acquired communication skills and purposeful hand use. The child may then experience a plateau period in which they show mild recovery in cognitive interests, but body movements remain severely diminished. As they age, those living with Rett may continue to experience a stage of motor deterioration which can last the rest of the patient’s life.3 Rett syndrome is typically caused by a genetic mutation on the MECP2 gene.5 In preclinical studies, deficiency in MeCP2function is thought to lead to impairment in synaptic communication, and the deficits in synaptic function may be associated with Rett manifestations.5-7
Symptoms of Rett syndrome may also include development of hand stereotypies, such as hand wringing and clapping, and gait abnormalities.8 Most people living with Rett syndrome typically live into adulthood and require round-the-clock care.2,9
About Trofinetide
Trofinetide is a synthetic analog of the N-terminal tripeptide of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The mechanism by which trofinetide exerts therapeutic effects in patients with Rett syndrome is unknown. In animal studies, trofinetide has been shown to increase branching of dendrites and synaptic plasticity signals.10
About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Acadia is advancing breakthroughs in neuroscience to elevate life. Since our founding we have been working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to people who need them most. We developed and commercialized the first and only FDA-approved drug to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis and the first and only approved drug in the United States and Canada for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Our clinical-stage development efforts are focused on Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and multiple other programs targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in central nervous system disorders. For more information, visit us at Acadia.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact and can be identified by terms such as “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “potential” and similar expressions (including the negative thereof) intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release, include, but are not limited to, statements about: (i) the potential approval of trofinetide as the first option in the European Union for the treatment of Rett syndrome, (ii) the efficacy and safety profile of trofinetide for patients with Rett syndrome, (iii) market acceptance in EU, including the importance of trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome, if approved, for Rett patients or families of patients with Rett syndrome and (iv) the ability for trofinetide to address the unmet medical needs of Europeans living with Rett syndrome. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors include, but are not limited to: the ability for trofinetide to deliver efficacious and safe results to patients, if approved, our dependency on the continued successful commercialization of DAYBUE™ in the United States and Canada, where it is approved, our ability to obtain regulatory approval of trofinetide in the EU or other jurisdictions outside the United States and Canada, our ability to protect and enhance our intellectual property; and our ability to continue to stay in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Given the risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these and other risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ, please refer to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2024, as well as our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update them after this date, except as required by law.
References
1 Neul JL, Percy AK, Benke TA et al. Trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome: a randomized phase 3 study. Nat Med. 2023; 29: 1468–1475
2 Fu C, Armstrong D, Marsh E, et al. Consensus guidelines on managing Rett syndrome across the lifespan. BMJ Paediatrics Open. 2020; 4: 1-14.
3 Kyle SM, Vashi N, Justice MJ. Rett syndrome: a neurological disorder with metabolic components. Open Biol. 2018; 8: 170216.
4 May DM, Neul JL, Satija A, et al. Real-world clinical management of individuals with Rett syndrome: a physician survey. J of Med Econ. 26(1), 1570–1580.
5 Amir RE, Van den Veyver IB, Wan M, et al. Rett syndrome is caused by mutations in X-linked MECP2, encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2. Nat Genet. 1999; 23(2): 185-188.
6 Fukuda T, Itoh M, Ichikawa T, et al. Delayed maturation of neuronal architecture and synaptogenesis in cerebral cortex of Mecp2-deficient mice. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2005; 64(6): 537-544.
7 Asaka Y, Jugloff DG, Zhang L, et al. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is impaired in the Mecp2-null mouse model of Rett syndrome. Neurobiol Dis. 2006; 21(1): 217-227.
8 Neul JL, Kaufmann WE, Glaze DG, et al. Rett syndrome: revised diagnostic criteria and nomenclature. Ann Neurol. 2010; 68(6): 944-950.
9 Daniel C, Tarquinio DO, Hou W, et al. The changing face of survival in Rett syndrome and MECP2-related disorders. Pediatr Neurol. 2015; 53(5): 402-411.
10 Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Data on file.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114935731/en/
Contacts
Investor Contact:
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Al Kildani
(858) 261-2872
ir@acadia-pharm.com
Media Contact:
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Deb Kazenelson
(818) 395-3043
media@acadia-pharm.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
www.businesswire.com

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Saudi Fund for Development Signs USD 15 Million Agreement with the Republic of Palau to Drive Local Economic Growth6.4.2026 22:01:00 EEST | Press release
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) today signed a USD 15 million development loan agreement with the Republic of Palau, marking the Fund’s first-ever development partnership in the Pacific island nation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260406306007/en/ Saudi Fund for Development Signs USD 15 Million Agreement with the Republic of Palau to Drive Local Economic Growth (Photo: AETOSWire) The agreement was signed by H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of SFD, and H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau during a ceremony in Palau’s capital, Ngerulmud. The USD 15 million development loan will be channeled through the National Development Bank of Palau. Designed to empower the local economy, the financing will support projects spearheaded by Palauan developers, businesses, and entrepreneurs. By aligning with Palau’s national priorities, the funds will catalyze high-im
Bureau Veritas Acquires Lotusworks, Reinforcing Its Position in Data Centers and Entering the Semiconductor Sector; This Establishes a New c.Eur 300 Million Growth Platform6.4.2026 21:00:00 EEST | Press release
Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services (TIC), announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire Lotusworks, a global leader in mission‑critical assets commissioning and quality assurance and control. This strategic move will uniquely position the Buildings & Infrastructure Product Line to benefit from AI-driven construction investments. Headquartered in Ireland, Lotusworks is a leading provider of commissioning, quality assurance and quality control, calibration, maintenance, and construction management services for mission‑critical facilities for semiconductors manufacturers and data center owners. The Company operates in the United States and Europe, and employs 750 people including highly skilled experts, serving a diversified base of blue‑chip global clients, including hyperscalers and semiconductor manufacturers. Lotusworks’ activity is supported by long‑term frameworks, a strong multi‑year backlog, and recurring technical services in
Svante & Meadow Lake Tribal Council Partnership Agrees to Sell Microsoft 626,000 Tonnes of Carbon Removal Credits6.4.2026 18:00:00 EEST | Press release
Svante Technologies Inc. (Svante) and Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) announced today that North Star Carbon Solutions LP has entered into an offtake agreement with Microsoft to deliver 626,000 tonnes of durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits to be delivered over 15 years from the North Star bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project in Saskatchewan, Canada. The project is being developed through a partnership between MLTC and Svante and will be co-located at the MLTC Bioenergy Centre in Meadow Lake. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260406630377/en/ As part of the project, a new carbon capture plant will be established at the MLTC Bioenergy Centre, a renewable power generation facility supplied by sustainable waste biomass from the adjacent sawmill owned by MLTC and other local forest product mills. The new plant will be owned by North Star Carbon Solutions LP, a partnership between MLTC
Textron Aviation Names Five 2026 Top Hawk Recipients as Program Enters Its Second Decade of Workforce Impact6.4.2026 18:00:00 EEST | Press release
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced Brazos Valley Flight Services, Executive Air Taxi Corporation, Fairmont State University, Sterling Flight Training and Victors Aviation as its 2026 Top Hawk program recipients, continuing a legacy that has placed 55 factory-new Cessna Skyhawks in training environments since the program launched in 2015. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402481685/en/ Factory-new Cessna Skyhawks (Model 172) to take flight as Textron Aviation names five 2026 Top Hawk recipients—helping train the next generation of pilots Now entering its second decade, Top Hawk is one of the industry’s longest‑running manufacturer‑school partnerships. Designed to support aviation workforce development, the program loans custom‑branded, factory‑new Skyhawks to selected organizations for one year, giving students access to the world’s most popular training aircraft and help
The Spectrum of Global Cinema Unfolds in Jeonju: The 27th JEONJU International Film Festival6.4.2026 16:23:00 EEST | Press release
The 27th JEONJU International Film Festival (JIFF) is set to run from April 29 to May 8 in Jeonju, featuring 237 movies from 54 countries. Jeonju—the most authentic Korean city and a prominent tourist destination in Asia known for its tradition and cuisine—will host this year’s film festival under the slogan “Beyond the Frame.” This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260406890043/en/ The 27th JEONJU International Film Festival will take place from April 29 to May 8 in Jeonju (Image: JEONJU CITY) Opening the 27th edition will be Kent Jones’s “Late Fame,” while the film “The Longest Night: Namtaeryong” directed by Kim Hyun-ji will close the festival. In addition, a special program honors the late Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away last year. Titled “Special Focus: Ahn Sung-ki’s Memorable Films Yet Rarely Seen,” it showcases seven of his films to pay tribute to a distinguished acting career defined by ceaseless ar
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom