Shares of Avanir Pharmaceuticals were down 56 percent this week as U.S. regulators said they will need more data to approve a drug to treat emotional outbursts. The company received a so-called “approvable” letter from the Food and Drug Administration for Neurodex, which the company is renaming Zenvia. But Avanir indicated that additional clinical studies might be needed before the drug can reach the market.
Headquarters: Sorrento Valley
Chief executive: Eric K. Brandt
Revenue (fiscal 2005): $16.7 million
Net loss (fiscal 2005): $30.6 million
Market capitalization: $104.7 million
Exchange: Nasdaq
