Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced findings from a network meta-analysis comparing CAPLYTA (lumateperone) to FDA-approved atypical antipsychotics for add-on treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. The analysis used data from 10 registrational randomized clinical trials.

The network meta-analysis found CAPLYTA was favored across four efficacy measures based on indirect comparisons from placebo plus antidepressant therapy-controlled trials. The analysis evaluated change from baseline in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score, MADRS response, MADRS remission, and change from baseline in CGI-S score.

For efficacy outcomes, CAPLYTA showed the largest effect size among five treatment nodes evaluated. The drug demonstrated a mean difference of -4.71 for MADRS change from baseline, an odds ratio of 2.33 for MADRS response, an odds ratio of 2.22 for MADRS remission, and a mean difference of -0.60 for CGI-S change from baseline.

Regarding safety outcomes, CAPLYTA demonstrated no statistically significant weight gain compared to placebo plus antidepressant therapy. The analysis found CAPLYTA ranked most favorably among all treatments on weight-related outcomes, with a mean weight change from baseline of -0.08 and 77% probability of superiority.

CAPLYTA was the only treatment comparable to placebo plus antidepressant therapy for akathisia risk. However, somnolence risk was higher than placebo plus antidepressant therapy across all treatments evaluated, including CAPLYTA with an odds ratio of 5.90.

The data were presented at the 2026 Neuroscience Education Institute Spring Congress held May 1-3 in Kissimmee, Florida. Network meta-analysis is a method used to indirectly compare treatments evaluated in separate placebo-controlled trials when head-to-head trials are limited or unavailable.