Clinical Data gets app nod for depression drug

NEWTON, Mass. (AP) - Federal regulators have accepted an application for a depression drug marketed by Clinical Data Inc., the company said Monday.

The acceptance of vilazodone, officially made Friday by the Food and Drug Administration, triggered a $15.6 million payment by Clinical Data to Merck Serono, which developed the drug.

In June 2009, Clinical Data said vilazodone met its goals in a late-stage clinical trial as a treatment for major depressive disorder.

Merck Serono is a unit of German drug maker Merck KGaA, and is not connected to New Jersey-based Merck and Co.