Substance P antagonists: the next breakthrough in treating depression?
Several lines of evidence implicate the neuropeptide substance P in depression, either in the pathogenesis or as a novel target for amelioration of symptoms. NK1 (substance P) receptor antagonists have been reported to have antidepressant-like actions in animal models. The first clinical trial of an NK1 antagonist showed promising results. A second trial, using a more potent compound, is underway. If the clinical trials show that NK1 (substance P) antagonism represents a well-tolerated, distinct mechanism for antidepressant activity, novel antidepressant agents will emerge as mono- or adjunct-therapy.
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Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Nguyen
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Tran
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Raffa
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D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / Q000187:drug effects; D013373:Substance P / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1; D013373:Substance P