

<!-- RRD ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.financial.rrd.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2015-05-06T17:10:11.0776062+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 2.0.5.0 -->
<!-- Package ID         : AFC3818B919696374CA69BEA3F50D871-0001598646-001503 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2015 R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company. All Rights Reserved. -->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/role/TemplateLink" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_StockIssuedInPrivatePlacementNetValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_StockIssuedInPrivatePlacementNetValue" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_StockIssuedInPrivatePlacementNetValue" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" order="11180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAcquisitionTables" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureBusinessAcquisitionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAcquisitionTables">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MindNRGMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MindNRGMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MindNRGMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNATUREOFOPERATIONSANDLIQUIDITYAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureNATUREOFOPERATIONSANDLIQUIDITYAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNATUREOFOPERATIONSANDLIQUIDITYAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransactionAfterDeductionOfUnderwritingDiscountAndIssuanceCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransactionAfterDeductionOfUnderwritingDiscountAndIssuanceCost" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_LoanAndSecurityAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_LoanAndSecurityAgreementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MIN202Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MIN202Member" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MindNRGMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MindNRGMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MindNRGMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MIN202Member" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="nerv_LoanAndSecurityAgreementMember" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_NatureOfOperationsAndLiquidityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransactionAfterDeductionOfUnderwritingDiscountAndIssuanceCost" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MIN202Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MIN202Member" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MIN202Member" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBUSINESSACQUISITIONAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureBUSINESSACQUISITIONAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBUSINESSACQUISITIONAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MindNRGMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MindNRGMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MindNRGMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBUSINESSACQUISITIONAggregateConsiderationAllocatedToAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBasedOnEstimatedFairValueDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureBUSINESSACQUISITIONAggregateConsiderationAllocatedToAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBasedOnEstimatedFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBUSINESSACQUISITIONAggregateConsiderationAllocatedToAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedBasedOnEstimatedFairValueDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_ProteoSysAGMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_ProteoSysAGMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MindNRGMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MindNRGMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MindNRGMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_ProteoSysAGMember" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNETLOSSPERSHAREOFCOMMONSTOCKSecuritiesExcludedFromCalculationOfWeightedAverageSharesOutstandingAsTheirEffectIsAntidilutiveDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureNETLOSSPERSHAREOFCOMMONSTOCKSecuritiesExcludedFromCalculationOfWeightedAverageSharesOutstandingAsTheirEffectIsAntidilutiveDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNETLOSSPERSHAREOFCOMMONSTOCKSecuritiesExcludedFromCalculationOfWeightedAverageSharesOutstandingAsTheirEffectIsAntidilutiveDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionMember" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantMember" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLICENSEAGREEMENTSAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureLICENSEAGREEMENTSAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLICENSEAGREEMENTSAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_LicenseExtensionPotentialPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_LicenseExtensionPotentialPayment" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_CollaborativeArrangementExtensionTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_CollaborativeArrangementExtensionTerm" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_NumberOfDevelopmentMilestoneAchievementRequired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_NumberOfDevelopmentMilestoneAchievementRequired" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PotentialMilestonePaymentsUponAchievementOfMilestone" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PotentialMilestonePaymentsUponAchievementOfMilestone" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MIN117Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MIN117Member" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MIN101Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MIN101Member" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_LicenseAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_LicenseAgreementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="nerv_LicenseAgreementMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MIN101Member" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductMember" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember_2" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MIN117Member" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" order="11360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_PotentialMilestonePaymentsUponAchievementOfMilestone" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_NumberOfDevelopmentMilestoneAchievementRequired" order="11790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_CollaborativeArrangementExtensionTerm" order="12130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_LicenseExtensionPotentialPayment" order="12190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendPayments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendPayments" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_ExpirationAnniversaryDateOfIssuance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_ExpirationAnniversaryDateOfIssuance" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_CommonStockExercisePricePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_CommonStockExercisePricePerShare" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PercentageOfCompanyCommonStockIssuableUponWarrantExercises" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PercentageOfCompanyCommonStockIssuableUponWarrantExercises" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_EquityInterestPercentagePledged" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_EquityInterestPercentagePledged" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentFeePercent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentFeePercent" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPaymentTerms" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPaymentTerms" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MaximumPeriodForPrepaymentOfLoansOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MaximumPeriodForPrepaymentOfLoansOutstanding" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_DebtInstrumentReducedRepaymentPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_DebtInstrumentReducedRepaymentPeriod" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_DebtInstrumentExtendedInterestOnlyPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_DebtInstrumentExtendedInterestOnlyPeriod1" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_SaleOfEquitySecuritiesRequirementForExtensionOfInterestOnlyPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_SaleOfEquitySecuritiesRequirementForExtensionOfInterestOnlyPeriod" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MinimumCapitalRequirementForExtensionOfInterestOnlyPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MinimumCapitalRequirementForExtensionOfInterestOnlyPeriod" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_NumberOfInstallments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_NumberOfInstallments" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_DebtInstrumentFinalPaymentAsPercentageOfAmountBorrowedUponExtendedInterestOnlyPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_DebtInstrumentFinalPaymentAsPercentageOfAmountBorrowedUponExtendedInterestOnlyPeriod" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_DebtInstrumentFinalPaymentsAsPercentageOfAmountBorrowed" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_DebtInstrumentFinalPaymentsAsPercentageOfAmountBorrowed" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_LineOfCreditFacilityFee" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_LineOfCreditFacilityFee" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTerms" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTerms" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_NumberOfTranches" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_NumberOfTranches" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MindNRGSAMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MindNRGSAMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_TermBLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_TermBLoansMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_TermALoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_TermALoansMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="nerv_TermALoansMember" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="nerv_TermBLoansMember" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_2" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MindNRGSAMember" order="11120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="11330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="11350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantMember" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_NumberOfTranches" order="11500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" order="11570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="11630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTerms" order="11750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" order="11810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_LineOfCreditFacilityFee" order="11960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_DebtInstrumentFinalPaymentsAsPercentageOfAmountBorrowed" order="12020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_DebtInstrumentFinalPaymentAsPercentageOfAmountBorrowedUponExtendedInterestOnlyPeriod" order="12080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="12170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" order="12210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_NumberOfInstallments" order="12280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_MinimumCapitalRequirementForExtensionOfInterestOnlyPeriod" order="12400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_SaleOfEquitySecuritiesRequirementForExtensionOfInterestOnlyPeriod" order="12520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_DebtInstrumentExtendedInterestOnlyPeriod1" order="12640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_DebtInstrumentReducedRepaymentPeriod" order="12760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" order="12880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="13000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_MaximumPeriodForPrepaymentOfLoansOutstanding" order="13120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPaymentTerms" order="13240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentFeePercent" order="13360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_EquityInterestPercentagePledged" order="13550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_PercentageOfCompanyCommonStockIssuableUponWarrantExercises" order="13620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" order="13680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" order="13740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_CommonStockExercisePricePerShare" order="13800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_ExpirationAnniversaryDateOfIssuance" order="13860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" order="13920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" order="13980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" order="14040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" order="14100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendPayments" order="14160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCODEVELOPMENTANDLICENSEAGREEMENTAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureCODEVELOPMENTANDLICENSEAGREEMENTAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCODEVELOPMENTANDLICENSEAGREEMENTAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscribedButUnissued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscribedButUnissued" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PaymentsForDevelopmentCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PaymentsForDevelopmentCost" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_FeesForTerminationOfAgreement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_FeesForTerminationOfAgreement" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PeriodWithinWhichAgreementIsTerminated" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PeriodWithinWhichAgreementIsTerminated" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_AggregateDevelopmentCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_AggregateDevelopmentCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PercentageOfDevelopmentCostsRelatedToJointDevelopmentOfProducts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PercentageOfDevelopmentCostsRelatedToJointDevelopmentOfProducts" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_CommonStockPurchaseAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_CommonStockPurchaseAgreementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PhaseIIClinicalTrialsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PhaseIIClinicalTrialsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PhaseIbClinicalTrialsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PhaseIbClinicalTrialsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MIN202Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MIN202Member" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MIN202Member" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain_2" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain" xlink:to="nerv_PhaseIbClinicalTrialsMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTypeDomain" xlink:to="nerv_PhaseIIClinicalTrialsMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="nerv_CommonStockPurchaseAgreementMember" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LicenseCosts" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_PercentageOfDevelopmentCostsRelatedToJointDevelopmentOfProducts" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_AggregateDevelopmentCosts" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_PeriodWithinWhichAgreementIsTerminated" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_FeesForTerminationOfAgreement" order="11160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="11290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_PaymentsForDevelopmentCost" order="11410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscribedButUnissued" order="11500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="11560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" order="11620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYPrivatePlacementOfCommonStockAndWarrantsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYPrivatePlacementOfCommonStockAndWarrantsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYPrivatePlacementOfCommonStockAndWarrantsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementPenaltyPercentageOnFailureToMeetEffectivenessDeadline" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementPenaltyPercentageOnFailureToMeetEffectivenessDeadline" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementTerm" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementDate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_IssuanceCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_IssuanceCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_IssuanceOfWarrantPricePerWarrantShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_IssuanceOfWarrantPricePerWarrantShare" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_IssuanceOfWarrantPricePerWarrantShare" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_IssuanceCosts" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementDate" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementTerm" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_RegistrationRightsAgreementPenaltyPercentageOnFailureToMeetEffectivenessDeadline" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYTermLoanWarrantsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYTermLoanWarrantsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYTermLoanWarrantsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_ExpirationAnniversaryDateOfIssuance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_ExpirationAnniversaryDateOfIssuance" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PercentageOfCompanyCommonStockIssuableUponWarrantExercises" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PercentageOfCompanyCommonStockIssuableUponWarrantExercises" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_TermALoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_TermALoansMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="nerv_TermALoansMember" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_PercentageOfCompanyCommonStockIssuableUponWarrantExercises" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_ExpirationAnniversaryDateOfIssuance" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="nerv_StockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSTOCKOPTIONPLANAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSTOCKOPTIONPLANAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSTOCKOPTIONPLANAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_AmendedAndRestatedEquityIncentivePlanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_AmendedAndRestatedEquityIncentivePlanMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_TwentyThirteenEquityIncentivePlanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_TwentyThirteenEquityIncentivePlanMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_TwentyThirteenEquityIncentivePlanMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_AmendedAndRestatedEquityIncentivePlanMember" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" order="11190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BeneficialOwnerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BeneficialOwnerMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestorMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestorMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestorMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BeneficialOwnerMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSUBSEQUENTEVENTSAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSUBSEQUENTEVENTSAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://minervaneurosciences.com/20150331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSUBSEQUENTEVENTSAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_AdditionalAnnualPaymentForEachExtension" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_AdditionalAnnualPaymentForEachExtension" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_PotentialExtensionPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_PotentialExtensionPayment" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_ExtensionOfMilestonePayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_ExtensionOfMilestonePayment" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_LicenseAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_LicenseAgreementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="nerv-20150331.xsd#nerv_MIN117Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="nerv_MIN117Member" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MIN117Member" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="nerv_LicenseAgreementMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="nerv_MitsubishiTanabePharmaCorporationMember" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_ExtensionOfMilestonePayment" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_PotentialExtensionPayment" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="nerv_AdditionalAnnualPaymentForEachExtension" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>





