The new antidepressant works long and reliably
The antidepressant GLYX-13 is the result of almost 20 years of work by researchers at Northwestern University, headed by Professor Joseph Moskal. The mechanism of action of this 4-amino acid peptide consists in modulating receptors for N-methyl-D-aspartate on brain cells. These receptors play a key role in regulating the plasticity of synapses – the quality of interneuronal contacts – and, accordingly, in providing the functions of learning and memorization.
However, unlike existing antagonists of this receptor, such as ketamine, GLYX-13 has no serious side effects, including hallucinations and schizophrenic-like symptoms.
As part of a phase IIa clinical trial conducted in 12 US medical centers in patients who did not respond well to traditional therapy, a single administration of GLYX-13 provided a significant reduction in the severity of depression symptoms.
The positive effects of the drug were manifested within 24 hours after administration and persisted for an average of 7 days. The severity of these effects during this period was almost twice as high as the severity of the effects of other drugs recorded after 4-6 weeks of regular administration. The observed mild or moderate side effects of GLYX-13 were comparable to the side effects observed in the placebo group.
Currently, GLYX-13 is a drug for intravenous administration, but its creators are working on an oral form of the drug.
Currently, GLYX-13 is already undergoing a Phase IIb clinical trial involving patients from 20 US medical centers. As part of this study, the effects of repeated administration of the drug are being studied. The developers hope that, in addition to treating depression, GLYX-13 may be useful in the treatment of other neurological diseases, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and Alzheimer's disease.
Article by Jeffrey Burgdorf et al. GLYX-13, an NMDA Receptor Glycine-Site Functional Partial Agonist, Induces Antidepressant-Like Effects Without Ketamine-Like Side Effects published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of Northwestern University:
New Antidepressant Acts Very Rapidly and is Long Lasting.
13.12.2012