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Ma M, Xu H, Ye L, Li C, Zhu H, Jiang W, Wang W, Yang H, Yang Y, Wang Y, Tian J. Synthesis and evaluation of neuroactive steroids with novel pharmacophore at C-21 let identify a compound with advantageous PK profile and higher EC 50 and E max as PAM on GABAA receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116602. [PMID: 38971049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Zuranolone (SAGE-217) is a neuroactive steroid (γ-aminobutyric acid)A (GABAA) receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM) as the first oral drug approved by the FDA in 2023, which is used to treat patients with postpartum depression (PPD). SAGE-217 has a "black box" warning with impairing ability to drive or engage in other potentially hazardous activities. In addition, SAGE-217 can cause CNS depressant effects such as somnolence and confusion, suicidal thoughts and behavior and embryo-fetal toxicity. Based on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of SAGE-217, a total of 28 neuroactive steroids with novel pharmacophore at C-21 modulated SAGE-217 derivatives were designed and synthesized. The biological activities were evaluated by both synaptic α1β2γ2 GABAA receptor and extrasynaptic α4β3δ GABAA receptor cell assays. The optimal compound S28 exhibited much more potent potency and similar efficacy at extrasynaptic GABAA receptor than SAGE-217. Different from above, compound S28 exhibited similar potency and lower efficacy at synaptic GABAA receptor than SAGE-217, which were consistent with the analysis of molecular docking and dynamics simulation results. The appropriate lower efficacy at synaptic GABAA receptor of compound S28 might contribute to reduce the side effects of excessive sedation. Furthermore, compound S28 was demonstrated to have excellent in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, robust in vivo pharmacodynamic (PD) effects and good safety profiles. Therefore, compound S28 represents a potentially promising treatment of PPD candidate that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxu Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Hengwei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Liang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China; School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 256603, China
| | - Chunmei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Haibo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China; School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 256603, China
| | - Wanglin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China; School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 256603, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Yingjie Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Yao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Jingwei Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China.
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Bai YR, Seng DJ, Xu Y, Zhang YD, Zhou WJ, Jia YY, Song J, He ZX, Liu HM, Yuan S. A comprehensive review of small molecule drugs approved by the FDA in 2023: Advances and prospects. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116706. [PMID: 39053188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved 55 novel medications, consisting of 17 biologics license applications and 38 new molecular entities. Although the biologics license applications including antibody and enzyme replacement therapy set a historical record, the new molecular entities comprising small molecule drugs, diagnostic agent, RNA interference therapy and biomacromolecular peptide still account for over 50 % of the newly approved medications. The novel and privileged scaffolds derived from drugs, active molecules and natural products are consistently associated with the discovery of new mechanisms, the expansion of clinical indications and the reduction of side effects. Moreover, the structural modifications based on the promising scaffolds can provide the clinical candidates with the improved biological activities, bypass the patent protection and greatly shorten the period of new drug discovery. Therefore, conducting an appraisal of drug approval experience and related information will expedite the identification of more potent drug molecules. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the pertinent information encompassing the clinical application, mechanism, elegant design and development processes of 28 small molecule drugs, and expected to provide the promising structural basis and design inspiration for pharmaceutical chemists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ru Bai
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Dong-Jie Seng
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Yao-Dong Zhang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Wen-Juan Zhou
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Yang-Yang Jia
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Jian Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhang-Xu He
- Pharmacy College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Gonda X, Tarazi FI, Dome P. The emergence of antidepressant drugs targeting GABA A receptors: A concise review. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 228:116481. [PMID: 39147329 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Depression is among the most common psychiatric illnesses, which imposes a major socioeconomic burden on patients, caregivers, and the public health system. Treatment with classical antidepressants (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors), which primarily affect monoaminergic systems has several limitations, such as delayed onset of action and moderate efficacy in a relatively large proportion of depressed patients. Furthermore, depression is highly heterogeneus, and its different subtypes, including post-partum depression, involve distinct neurobiology, warranting a differential approach to pharmacotherapy. Given these shortcomings, the need for novel antidepressants that are superior in efficacy and faster in onset of action is fully justified. The development and market introduction of rapid-acting antidepressants has accelerated in recent years. Some of these new antidepressants act through the GABAergic system. In this review, we discuss the discovery, efficacy, and limitations of treatment with classic antidepressants. We provide a detailed discussion of GABAergic neurotransmission, with a special focus on GABAA receptors, and possible explanations for the mood-enhancing effects of GABAergic medications (in particular neurosteroids acting at GABAA receptors), and, ultimately, we present the most promising molecules belonging to this family which are currently used in clinical practice or are in late phases of clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Gonda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; NAP3.0-SE Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Frank I Tarazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Dome
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Nyiro Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictology, Budapest, Hungary
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Luo W, Liu Y, Qin H, Zhao Z, Wang S, He W, Tang S, Peng J. Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic drug products approved by the FDA in 2023: Synthesis and biological activity. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116838. [PMID: 39255645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
This article profiles 13 newly approved nitrogen-containing heterocyclic drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023. These drugs target a variety of therapeutic areas including proteinuria in patients with IgA nephropathy, migraine in adults, Rett syndrome, PI3Kδ syndrome, vasomotor symptoms, alopecia areata, acute myeloid leukemia, postpartum depression, myelofibrosis, and various cancer and tumor types. The molecular structures of these approved drugs feature common aromatic heterocyclic compounds such as pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, isoxazole, pyridine, and pyrimidine, as well as aliphatic heterocyclic compounds like caprolactam, piperazine, and piperidine. Some compounds also contain multiple heteroatoms like 1,2,4-thiadiazole and 1,2,4-triazole. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the bioactivity spectrum, medicinal chemistry discovery, and synthetic methods for each compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijiang Luo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, China
| | - Yiqi Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, China
| | - Hui Qin
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zeyan Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, China
| | - Suqi Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, China
| | - Weimin He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Shengsong Tang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, China.
| | - Junmei Peng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, China.
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Shen DD, Zhang YL, Li X, Bai YR, Xiong JF, Seng DJ, Zhang YD, Liu HM, Yuan S, Yang L. The mechanism of action and chemical synthesis of FDA newly approved drug molecules. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22260. [PMID: 39254376 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved 29 small molecule drugs. These newly approved small molecule drugs possess the distinct scaffolds, thereby exhibiting diverse mechanisms of action and binding modalities. Moreover, the marketed drugs have always been an important source of new drug development and creative inspiration, thereby fostering analogous endeavors in drug discovery that potentially extend to the diverse clinical indications. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive evaluation of drug approval experience and associated information will facilitate the expedited identification of highly potent drug molecules. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the relevant information regarding the clinical applications, mechanisms of action and chemical synthesis of 29 small molecule drugs, with the aim of providing a promising structural basis and design inspiration for pharmaceutical chemists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yue-Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ru Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun-Feng Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dong-Jie Seng
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao-Dong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Penning TM, Covey DF. 5β-Dihydrosteroids: Formation and Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8857. [PMID: 39201544 PMCID: PMC11354470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
5β-Dihydrosteroids are produced by the reduction of Δ4-3-ketosteroids catalyzed by steroid 5β-reductase (AKR1D1). By analogy with steroid 5α-reductase, genetic deficiency exists in AKR1D1 which leads to errors in newborn metabolism and in this case to bile acid deficiency. Also, like the 5α-dihydrosteroids (e.g., 5α-dihydrotestosterone), the 5β-dihydrosteroids produced by AKR1D1 are not inactive but regulate ligand access to nuclear receptors, can act as ligands for nuclear and membrane-bound receptors, and regulate ion-channel opening. For example, 5β-reduction of cortisol and cortisone yields the corresponding 5β-dihydroglucocorticoids which are inactive on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and provides an additional mechanism of pre-receptor regulation of ligands for the GR in liver cells. By contrast, 5β-pregnanes can act as neuroactive steroids at the GABAA and NMDA receptors and at low-voltage-activated calcium channels, act as tocolytic agents, have analgesic activity and act as ligands for PXR, while bile acids act as ligands for FXR and thereby control cholesterol homeostasis. The 5β-androstanes also have potent vasodilatory properties and work through blockade of Ca2+ channels. Thus, a preference for 5β-dihydrosteroids to work at the membrane level exists via a variety of mechanisms. This article reviews the field and identifies gaps in knowledge to be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor M. Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19061, USA
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Sharma R, Bansal P, Saini L, Sharma N, Dhingra R. Zuranolone, a neuroactive drug, used in the treatment of postpartum depression by modulation of GABA A receptors. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 238:173734. [PMID: 38387651 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum depression [PPD] is a prevalent and debilitating mood disorder that affects mothers in the weeks to months after childbirth. Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is a novel pharmaceutical agent that was approved by the US FDA on 4 August 2023 for the management of PPD. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of zuranolone, focusing on its dosing, chemistry, mechanism of action, clinical trials, adverse drug reaction, and overall conclusion regarding its utility in the management of PPD. It also discusses the recommended dosing strategies to achieve optimal efficacy while minimizing adverse effects as the dosage regimen of zuranolone is critical for its therapeutic application. Moreover, it gives insights into neurobiological pathways involved in PPD. METHODOLOGY Data from randomized controlled trials and observational studies was collected to provide a comprehensive understanding of zuranolone in the management and treatment of PPD. CONCLUSION Zuranolone represents a promising therapeutic option for women suffering from postpartum depression. However, ongoing research and post-marketing surveillance are essential to further elucidate its long-term safety and efficacy. The integration of zuranolone into clinical practice may significantly improve the quality of life for mothers facing the challenges of postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana 122103, India
| | - Pranjal Bansal
- Department of Pharmacy, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana 122103, India
| | - Lokesh Saini
- Department of Pharmacy, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana 122103, India
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana 122103, India
| | - Richa Dhingra
- Department of Pharmacy, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana 122103, India; Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Sector - 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201301, India.
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Balan I, Boero G, Chéry SL, McFarland MH, Lopez AG, Morrow AL. Neuroactive Steroids, Toll-like Receptors, and Neuroimmune Regulation: Insights into Their Impact on Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:582. [PMID: 38792602 PMCID: PMC11122352 DOI: 10.3390/life14050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnane neuroactive steroids, notably allopregnanolone and pregnenolone, exhibit efficacy in mitigating inflammatory signals triggered by toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, thus attenuating the production of inflammatory factors. Clinical studies highlight their therapeutic potential, particularly in conditions like postpartum depression (PPD), where the FDA-approved compound brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone, effectively suppresses TLR-mediated inflammatory pathways, predicting symptom improvement. Additionally, pregnane neurosteroids exhibit trophic and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulating the production of vital trophic proteins and anti-inflammatory factors. Androstane neuroactive steroids, including estrogens and androgens, along with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), display diverse effects on TLR expression and activation. Notably, androstenediol (ADIOL), an androstane neurosteroid, emerges as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, promising for therapeutic interventions. The dysregulation of immune responses via TLR signaling alongside reduced levels of endogenous neurosteroids significantly contributes to symptom severity across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuroactive steroids, such as allopregnanolone, demonstrate efficacy in alleviating symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders and modulating neuroimmune responses, offering potential intervention avenues. This review emphasizes the significant therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids in modulating TLR signaling pathways, particularly in addressing inflammatory processes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. It advances our understanding of the complex interplay between neuroactive steroids and immune responses, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual needs and providing insights for future research aimed at unraveling the intricacies of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Balan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Samantha Lucenell Chéry
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Minna H. McFarland
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alejandro G. Lopez
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Ahmad A, Awan AR, Nadeem N, Javed AS, Farooqi M, Daniyal M, Mumtaz H. Zuranolone for treatment of major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1361692. [PMID: 38726035 PMCID: PMC11079210 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1361692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Current treatment modalities for Major Depressive Disorder have variable efficacies and a variety of side effects. To amend this, many trials for short term, well tolerated monotherapies are underway. One such option is Zuranolone (SAGE-217), which is a recent FDA approved antidepressant for Post Partum depression (PPD) and is undergoing clinical trials for PPD, major depressive disorder (MDD) and essential tremors (ET). Objectives Pool currently available data that compare Zuranolone to Placebo for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and evaluate its efficacy and safety profile. Methods We retrieved data from PUBMED and SCOPUS from inception to July 2023. We included articles comparing Zuranolone or SAGE 217 with placebo in patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the outcomes including changes in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores from baseline as well as any treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and severe adverse events. Results Our review analyzed 4 trials and the data of 1,357 patients. Patients treated with Zuranolone indicated a statistically significant effect in the change from baseline in HAM-D score (p = 0.0009; MD [95% CI]: -2.03 [-3.23, -0.84]) as well as in MADRS score (p = 0.02; MD [95% CI]: -2.30[-4.31, -0.30]) and HAM-A score (p = 0.03; MD [95% CI]: -1.41[-2.70, -0.11]) on 15th day when compared to the Placebo group. Zuranolone was also significantly associated with a higher response rate (p = 0.0008; OR [95% CI]: 1.63[1.14, 2.35]) and higher remission rate (p = 0.03; OR [95% CI]: 1.65[1.05, 2.59]) when compared with the placebo. As for safety, Zuranolone was significantly associated with 1 or more TEAE (p = 0.006; RR [95% CI]: 1.14[1.04, 1.24]) but an insignificant association with side effects that lead to drug discontinuation (p = 0.70; RR [95% CI]: 1.18[0.51, 2.76]) and serious adverse events (p = 0.48; RR [95% CI]: 1.46 [0.52, 4.10]) when compared with placebo. Conclusion Zuranolone is an effective and safe drug for short course major depressive disorder monotherapy. It shows results in 14 days (compared to 2-4 weeks that SSRI's take) and has anti-anxiolytic effects as well. However, only 4 trials have been used for the analysis and the sample size was small. The trials reviewed also cannot determine the long-term effects of the drug. More trials are needed to determine long term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ahmad
- CMH Lahore Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rafeh Awan
- Department of Medicine, Nishtar Medical University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Natasha Nadeem
- CMH Lahore Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Shahid Javed
- CMH Lahore Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mobeen Farooqi
- CMH Lahore Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammed Daniyal
- CMH Lahore Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Mumtaz
- Department of Data Analytics, BPP University, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Clayton AH, Suthoff E, Jain R, Kosinski M, Fridman M, Deligiannidis KM, Meltzer-Brody S, Chen SY, Gervitz L, Huang MY, Trivedi M, Bonthapally V. The magnitude and sustainability of treatment benefit of zuranolone on function and well-being as assessed by the SF-36 in adult patients with MDD and PPD: An integrated analysis of 4 randomized clinical trials. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:904-914. [PMID: 38325605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD) are disabling conditions. This integrated analysis of MDD and PPD clinical trials investigated the impact of zuranolone-a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and neuroactive steroid under investigation for adults with MDD and approved as an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course for adults with PPD in the US-on health-related quality of life, including functioning and well-being, as assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey V2 (SF-36). METHODS Integrated data from 3 MDD (201B, MOUNTAIN, WATERFALL) and 1 PPD trial (ROBIN) for individual SF-36 domains were compared for zuranolone (30- and 50-mg) vs placebo at Day (D)15 and D42. Comparisons between zuranolone responders (≥50 % reduction from baseline in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score) and nonresponders were assessed. RESULTS Overall, 1003 patients were included (zuranolone, n = 504; placebo, n = 499). Significant differences in change from baseline (CFB) to D15 for patients in zuranolone vs placebo groups were observed in 6/8 domains; changes were sustained or improved at D42, with significant CFB differences for all 8 domains. Zuranolone responders had significantly higher CFB scores vs nonresponders for all domains at D15 and D42 (p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS Two zuranolone doses were integrated across populations of 2 disease states with potential differences in functioning, comorbidities, and patient demographics. All p-values presented are nominal. CONCLUSIONS Integrated data across 4 zuranolone clinical trials showed improvements in functioning and well-being across all SF-36 domains. Benefits persisted after completion of treatment course at D42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Clayton
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Ellison Suthoff
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America.
| | - Rakesh Jain
- Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Midland, TX, United States of America
| | - Mark Kosinski
- QualityMetric Incorporated, LLC, Johnston, RI, United States of America
| | - Moshe Fridman
- AMF Consulting, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Kristina M Deligiannidis
- AMF Consulting, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; Women's Behavioral Health, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, United States of America; Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
| | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Ming-Yi Huang
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Madhukar Trivedi
- Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care, Department of Psychiatry and Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
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11
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Nehls S, Losse E, Enzensberger C, Frodl T, Chechko N. Time-sensitive changes in the maternal brain and their influence on mother-child attachment. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:84. [PMID: 38331939 PMCID: PMC10853535 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are characterized by an increased neuroplasticity in the maternal brain. To explore the dynamics of postpartum changes in gray matter volume (GMV), magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 20 healthy postpartum women immediately after childbirth and at 3-week intervals for 12 postpartum weeks. The control group comprised 20 age-matched nulliparous women. The first 6 postpartum weeks (constituting the subacute postpartum period) are associated with decreasing progesterone levels and a massive restructuring in GMV, affecting the amygdala/hippocampus, the prefrontal/subgenual cortex, and the insula, which approach their sizes in nulliparous women only around weeks 3-6 postpartum. Based on the amygdala volume shortly after delivery, the maternal brain can be reliably distinguished from the nulliparous brain. Even 12 weeks after childbirth, the GMV in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and the cortical thickness of the subgenual and lateral prefrontal cortices do not reach the pre-pregnancy levels. During this period, a volume decrease is seen in the cerebellum, the thalamus, and the dorsal striatum. A less hostile behavior toward the child at 6-12 weeks postpartum is predicted by the GMV change in the amygdala, the temporal pole, the olfactory gyrus, the anterior cingulate, the thalamus and the cerebellum in the same period. In summary, the restructuring of the maternal brain follows time-dependent trajectories. The fact that the volume changes persist at 12 weeks postpartum indicates that the maternal brain does not fully revert to pre-pregnancy physiology. Postpartum neuroplasticity suggests that these changes may be particularly significant in the regions important for parenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Nehls
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine: JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Elena Losse
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine: JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Germany
| | - Natalia Chechko
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine: JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behavior (INM-7), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
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12
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Wang YT, Yang PC, Zhang YF, Sun JF. Synthesis and clinical application of new drugs approved by FDA in 2023. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116124. [PMID: 38183778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to a total of 55 new drugs, comprising 29 new chemical entities (NCEs) and 25 new biological entities (NBEs). These drugs primarily focus on oncology, the central nervous system, anti-infection, hematology, cardiovascular, ophthalmology, immunomodulatory and other therapeutic areas. Out of the 55 drugs, 33 (60 %) underwent an accelerated review process and received approval, while 25 (45 %) were specifically approved for the treatment of rare diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical uses and production techniques of 29 newly FDA-approved NCEs in 2023. Our intention is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the synthetic approaches employed in the creation of these drug molecules, with the aim of inspiring the development of novel, efficient, and applicable synthetic methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Tao Wang
- First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Henan Province, Shangqiu, 476100, China.
| | - Peng-Cheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, College of Pharmacy, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China
| | - Yan-Feng Zhang
- Shangqiu Municipal Hospital, Henan Province, Shangqiu, 476100, China.
| | - Jin-Feng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, College of Pharmacy, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China; Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49-Box 1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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13
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Takasu K, Yawata Y, Tashima R, Aritomi H, Shimada S, Onodera T, Taishi T, Ogawa K. Distinct mechanisms of allopregnanolone and diazepam underlie neuronal oscillations and differential antidepressant effect. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1274459. [PMID: 38259500 PMCID: PMC10800935 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1274459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid relief of depressive symptoms is a major medical requirement for effective treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD). A decrease in neuroactive steroids contributes to the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the neurological symptoms of MDD. Zuranolone (SAGE-217), a neuroactive steroid that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors, has shown rapid-onset, clinically effective antidepressant action in patients with MDD or postpartum depression (PPD). Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, act as positive allosteric modulators of synaptic GABAA receptors but are not approved for the treatment of patients with MDD. It remains unclear how differences in molecular mechanisms contribute to the alleviation of depressive symptoms and the regulation of associated neuronal activity. Focusing on the antidepressant-like effects and neuronal activity of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), we conducted a head-to-head comparison study of the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone and the benzodiazepine diazepam using a mouse social defeat stress (SDS) model. Allopregnanolone but not diazepam exhibited antidepressant-like effects in a social interaction test in SDS mice. This antidepressant-like effect of allopregnanolone was abolished in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor δ-subunit knockout mice (δko mice) subjected to the same SDS protocol. Regarding the neurophysiological mechanism associated with these antidepressant-like effects, allopregnanolone but not diazepam increased theta oscillation in the BLA of SDS mice. This increase did not occur in δko mice. Consistent with this, allopregnanolone potentiated tonic inhibition in BLA interneurons via δ-subunit-containing extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Theta oscillation in the mPFC of SDS mice was also increased by allopregnanolone but not by diazepam. Finally, allopregnanolone but not diazepam increased frontal theta activity in electroencephalography recordings in naïve and SDS mice. Neuronal network alterations associated with MDD showed decreased frontal theta and beta activity in depressed SDS mice. These results demonstrated that, unlike benzodiazepines, neuroactive steroids increased theta oscillation in the BLA and mPFC through the activation of δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors, and this change was associated with antidepressant-like effects in the SDS model. Our findings support the notion that the distinctive mechanism of neuroactive steroids may contribute to the rapid antidepressant effects in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takasu
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yosuke Yawata
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Tashima
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | - Tsukasa Onodera
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Taishi
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Ogawa
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
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14
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Cha DS, Kleine N, Teopiz KM, Di Vincenzo JD, Ho R, Galibert SL, Samra A, Zilm SPM, Cha RH, d'Andrea G, Gill H, Ceban F, Meshkat S, Wong S, Le GH, Kwan ATH, Rosenblat JD, Rhee TG, Mansur RB, McIntyre RS. The efficacy of zuranolone in postpartum depression and major depressive disorder: a review & number needed to treat (NNT) analysis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:5-14. [PMID: 38164653 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2298340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating mental illness. Postpartum depression (PPD) impacts women globally and is one of the most common complications of childbirth that is underdiagnosed and undertreated, adversely impacting the mental health of women, children, and partners.Available antidepressant medications require weeks to months before showing effect. In this setting, zuranolone, an oral neuroactive steroid and a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, is an attractive alternative as a rapid-acting antidepressant treatment. AREAS COVERED This article reviews zuranolone (SAGE217), focusing on available clinical studies in individuals with PPD and MDD. This paper adds to the extant literature by presenting the efficacy data as Number Needed to Treat (NNT) to facilitate indirect comparisons with other antidepressants. EXPERT OPINION Zuranolone is a novel rapid-acting (i.e. two week course) oral antidepressant for the treatment of adults with PPD with ongoing clinical trials evaluating its efficacy in adults with MDD. Zuranolone is well tolerated with no significant safety concerns in any clinical trials completed to date. Zuranolone will be scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Cha
- Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Mental Health Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine - Royal Brisbane Clinical Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas Kleine
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kayla M Teopiz
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joshua D Di Vincenzo
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger Ho
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Stephanie L Galibert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Logan Hospital, Logan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amrita Samra
- Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Samuel P M Zilm
- Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebekah H Cha
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giacomo d'Andrea
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Hartej Gill
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felicia Ceban
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sabrina Wong
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gia Han Le
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela T H Kwan
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
| | - Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Rodrigo B Mansur
- Brain and Cognition Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation (BCDF), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Board Chair, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Board of Directors, Chicago, IL, USA
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, GD, China
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, University of California School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
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15
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Li Z, Wu Q, Peng P, Wu M, Liu S, Liu T. Efficacy and safety of zuranolone for the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2024; 331:115640. [PMID: 38029628 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD) are common and burdensome conditions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zuranolone, a neuroactive steroid γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors-positive allosteric modulator, in treating MDD and PPD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted until September 2023, identifying seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The results demonstrated that zuranolone significantly decreased Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) scores in patients with PPD or MDD at day 15 (concluding the 14-day course) and day 42-45 (4 weeks after treatment cessation) compared with the placebo, albeit exhibiting a diminishing trend. Moreover, a higher percentage of patients with PPD or MDD achieved HAM-D response and remission with zuranolone treatment compared with placebo at day 15. However, zuranolone did not significantly increase the proportion of MDD patients achieving HAM-D remission at 42/43 days. Adverse events (AEs) such as somnolence, dizziness, and sedation were linked to zuranolone, with a higher but not statistically significant rate of discontinuation due to AEs in the zuranolone group. Overall, our findings support the rapid antidepressant effects of zuranolone in MDD and PPD, along with a relatively favorable safety and tolerability. Large-scale longitudinal RCTs are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of zuranolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Qiuxia Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Pu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Shouhuan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China.
| | - Tieqiao Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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Parikh SV, Aaronson ST, Mathew SJ, Alva G, DeBattista C, Kanes S, Lasser R, Bullock A, Kotecha M, Jung J, Forrestal F, Jonas J, Vera T, Leclair B, Doherty J. Efficacy and safety of zuranolone co-initiated with an antidepressant in adults with major depressive disorder: results from the phase 3 CORAL study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:467-475. [PMID: 37875578 PMCID: PMC10724299 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health disorder that can cause disability and functional impairment that standard-of-care (SOC) antidepressant therapies (ADTs) can take weeks to treat. Zuranolone is a neuroactive steroid and positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors approved as an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course in adults with postpartum depression and under investigation in adults with MDD. The phase 3 CORAL Study (NCT04476030) evaluated the efficacy and safety of zuranolone 50 mg co-initiated with SOC ADT (zuranolone+ADT) vs placebo co-initiated with SOC ADT (placebo+ADT) in adults with MDD. Patients were randomized 1:1 to once-daily, blinded zuranolone+ADT or placebo+ADT for 14 days, then continued open-label SOC ADT for 28 more days. The primary endpoint was change from baseline (CFB) in the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) total score at Day 3. Among 425 patients in the full analysis set, CFB in HAMD-17 total score at Day 3 was significantly improved with zuranolone+ADT vs placebo+ADT (least squares mean [standard error], -8.9 [0.39] vs -7.0 [0.38]; p = 0.0004). The majority of patients receiving zuranolone+ADT that experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) reported mild or moderate events. The most common TEAEs present in ≥10% of patients in either zuranolone+ADT or placebo+ADT groups were somnolence, dizziness, headache, and nausea. These results demonstrate that zuranolone+ADT provided more rapid improvement in depressive symptoms compared with placebo+ADT in patients with MDD, with a safety profile consistent with previous studies. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04476030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar V Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Scott T Aaronson
- Institute for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sanjay J Mathew
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Charles DeBattista
- General Psychiatry and Psychology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeff Jonas
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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17
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Lin YW, Tu YK, Hung KC, Liang CS, Tseng PT, Lin PY, Chia-Cheng Lai E, Hsu CW. Efficacy and safety of zuranolone in major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of factor effect and dose-response analyses. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 66:102308. [PMID: 38045802 PMCID: PMC10690540 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Zuranolone is recognised as a promising antidepressant agent. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of zuranolone in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods A systematic review was conducted by searching major databases from inception to August 20, 2023 (INPLASY: 202360087). A meta-analysis was performed by using a random-effects model to calculate effect sizes, expressed as standardised mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome was improvement in depressive symptoms, while secondary outcomes included response and remission rates of depression, improvement in anxiety symptoms, incidence of dropouts, and any side effects. We conducted subgroup analyses for general MDD and postpartum-onset MDD and a dose-response meta-analysis to estimate the relationship between zuranolone dose and outcomes. Findings The study included seven randomised control trials involving 1789 patients. Zuranolone reduced depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.37, 95% CIs = -0.51 to -0.23), increased response rate (OR = 2.06, 95% CIs = 1.48-2.85) and remission rate (OR = 2.04, 95% CIs = 1.38-3.02), and reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD = -0.26, 95% CIs = -0.39 to -0.14). Furthermore, zuranolone-treated patients experienced more side effects than those in the control group (OR = 1.40, 95% CIs = 1.10-1.78), although dropout rate did not significantly differ between the two groups (OR = 1.13, 95% CIs = 0.85-1.49). According to the dose-response meta-analysis, zuranolone could effectively improve depression and anxiety at increasing doses up to a maximum daily dose of 30 mg; however, side effects increased with doses exceeding 30 mg. Based on subgroup analyses, zuranolone showed greater efficacy in treatment of postpartum-onset MDD than general MDD, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Interpretation Our findings suggested that zuranolone is effective in alleviating depression and anxiety. Nevertheless, there is a potential risk of adverse effects. Given its therapeutic efficacy and risk of side effects, a daily dose of 30 mg appears to be the optimal choice. Funding Chang Gung Medical Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Health Data Analytics & Statistics, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chuan Hung
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Edward Chia-Cheng Lai
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Carlini SV, Osborne LM, Deligiannidis KM. Current pharmacotherapy approaches and novel GABAergic antidepressant development in postpartum depression. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 25:92-100. [PMID: 37796239 PMCID: PMC10557560 DOI: 10.1080/19585969.2023.2262464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression has deleterious effects on childbearing persons globally. Existing treatments have been largely extrapolated from those for other forms of depression and have included pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation. Hormonal treatments with oestrogen and progestogens, thought to be a rational approach to treatment in response to an emerging literature on the pathophysiology of postpartum depression, have only limited evidence for efficacy to date. Novel antidepressant development with allopregnanolone analogues, in contrast, has proven a promising avenue for the development of rationally designed and efficacious treatments. This state-of-the-art review presents the evidence for the current standard-of-care pharmacotherapy, hormonal treatment, and emerging allopregnanolone analogues for the treatment of postpartum depression along with a discussion of the current understanding of its neuroactive steroid-driven pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara V Carlini
- Department of Psychiatry, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Downstate Health Sciences University, The State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Lauren M Osborne
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristina M Deligiannidis
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
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Meshkat S, Teopiz KM, Di Vincenzo JD, Bailey JB, Rosenblat JD, Ho RC, Rhee TG, Ceban F, Kwan ATH, Cao B, McIntyre RS. Clinical efficacy and safety of Zuranolone (SAGE-217) in individuals with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:893-898. [PMID: 37557991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Dysfunctional signaling of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been implicated in some studies in the etiology of MDD. Zuranolone (SAGE-217) is a novel, oral neuroactive steroid and an investigational positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Zuranolone in individuals with MDD. We reviewed seven studies including 1662 participants with MDD. Zuranolone was investigated as an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course. The results of our synthesis indicate that the antidepressant effects of Zuranolone are rapid, clinically meaningful, and replicated across multiple randomized clinical trials. In addition to replicated efficacy, Zuranolone is associated with an acceptable level of treatment-emergent adverse events and discontinuation without serious adverse events. It is believed that Zuranolone's antidepressant effects arise from its ability to enhance inhibitory GABAergic signaling by increasing synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA activity and regulation of GABAA receptor expression. Taken together, preliminary evidence suggests the potential for antidepressant effects of Zuranolone. Zuranolone has been approved by FDA for postpartum depression, and is showing efficacy in major depressive disorder. Future research vistas should seek to determine the durability of this treatment approach as well as its effects on domain-specific outcomes (e.g., anhedonia, circadian rhythm, arousal systems) along with application in other diagnostic entities (e.g., bipolar depression).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakila Meshkat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kayla M Teopiz
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua D Di Vincenzo
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia B Bailey
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roger C Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Felicia Ceban
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela T H Kwan
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bing Cao
- School of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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20
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Mortensen M, Xu Y, Shehata MA, Krall J, Ernst M, Frølund B, Smart TG. Pregnenolone sulfate analogues differentially modulate GABA A receptor closed/desensitised states. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2482-2499. [PMID: 37194503 PMCID: PMC10952582 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE GABAA receptors are regulated by numerous classes of allosteric modulators. However, regulation of receptor macroscopic desensitisation remains largely unexplored and may offer new therapeutic opportunities. Here, we report the emerging potential for modulating desensitisation with analogues of the endogenous inhibitory neurosteroid, pregnenolone sulfate. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH New pregnenolone sulfate analogues were synthesised incorporating various heterocyclic substitutions located at the C-21 position on ring D. The pharmacological profiles of these compounds were assessed using electrophysiology and recombinant GABAA receptors together with mutagenesis, molecular dynamics simulations, structural modelling and kinetic simulations. KEY RESULTS All seven analogues retained a negative allosteric modulatory capability whilst exhibiting diverse potencies. Interestingly, we observed differential effects on GABA current decay by compounds incorporating either a six- (compound 5) or five-membered heterocyclic ring (compound 6) on C-21, which was independent of their potencies as inhibitors. We propose that differences in molecular charges, and the targeted binding of analogues to specific states of the GABAA receptor, are the most likely cause of the distinctive functional profiles. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings reveal that heterocyclic addition to inhibitory neurosteroids not only affected their potency and macroscopic efficacy but also affected innate receptor mechanisms that underlie desensitisation. Acute modulation of macroscopic desensitisation will determine the degree and duration of GABA inhibition, which are vital for the integration of neural circuit activity. Discovery of this form of modulation could present an opportunity for next-generation GABAA receptor drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Mortensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Mohamed A. Shehata
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jacob Krall
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Present address:
Xellia Pharmaceuticals ApSCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Pathology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain ResearchMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Bente Frølund
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Trevor G. Smart
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading contributor to disability worldwide and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Current pharmacologic treatment options may be ineffective for some patients and can pose several limitations and challenges, including suboptimal response and slow onset of action. Many of these therapies can take 6 to 8 weeks for patients to achieve response and 12 weeks or longer to demonstrate full clinical benefit. Delays in depressive symptom resolution are associated with poor symptomatic and functional outcomes, decreased quality of life, and increased burden on the healthcare system. Achieving response and remission of symptoms soon after diagnosis and treatment is associated with lower rates of relapse and a greater likelihood of functional recovery. An unmet need exists for innovative treatments that offer rapid and sustained effects. This editorial discusses the benefits of rapid improvement in depressive symptoms with available and investigational agents for patients with MDD.
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Zou J, Yang L, Yang G, Gao J. The efficacy and safety of some new GABAkines for treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Res 2023; 328:115450. [PMID: 37683318 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, or GABAkines, play important roles in the treatment of depression, epilepsy, insomnia, and other disorders. Recently, some new GABAkines (zuranolone and brexanolone) have been administrated to patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) or postpartum depression (PPD) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This study aims to systematically review and examine the efficacy and safety of zuranolone or brexanolone for treatment of depression. A systematic literature retrieval was conducted through August 20, 2023. RCTs evaluating the efficacy and safety of zuranolone or brexanolone for treatment of depression were included. Eight studies (nine reports) were identified in the study. The percentages of patients with PPD achieving Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) response and remission were significantly higher after brexanolone or zuranolone administration compared with placebo at different points. The percentages of patients with MDD achieving HAM-D response and remission were significantly increased during the zuranolone treatment period compared with placebo. In addition, zuranolone caused more adverse events in patients with MDD compared with placebo. Our findings support the effects of brexanolone on improving the core symptoms of depression in patients with PPD, and the potential of zuranolone in treating patients with MDD or PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zou
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Guoyu Yang
- School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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23
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Kato M, Nakagome K, Baba T, Sonoyama T, Okutsu D, Yamanaka H, Shimizu R, Motomiya T, Inoue T. Efficacy and safety of zuranolone in Japanese adults with major depressive disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 clinical trial. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 77:497-509. [PMID: 37252829 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course of zuranolone in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomized eligible patients (1:1:1) to receive oral zuranolone 20 mg, zuranolone 30 mg, or placebo once daily for 14 days (treatment-period), followed by two 6-week follow-up periods. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) total score on Day 15. RESULTS Overall, 250 patients (enrolled: 07/07/2020-05/26/2021) were randomized to receive placebo (n = 83), zuranolone 20 mg (n = 85), or zuranolone 30 mg (n = 82). The demographic and baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. The adjusted mean (standard error) change from baseline in the HAMD-17 total score on Day 15 was -6.22 (0.62), -8.14 (0.62), and - 8.31 (0.63) in the placebo, zuranolone 20-mg, and zuranolone 30-mg groups, respectively. Significant differences in the adjusted mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) for zuranolone 20 mg versus placebo (-1.92; [-3.65, -0.19]; P = 0.0296) and zuranolone 30 mg versus placebo (-2.09; [-3.83, -0.35]; P = 0.0190) groups were observed on Day 15, and also as early as Day 3. A nonsignificant yet distinct drug-placebo separation was observed during follow-up. Somnolence (placebo [3.7%], zuranolone 20 mg [10.6%], and zuranolone 30 mg [20.7%]) and dizziness (3.7%, 9.4%, and 9.8%, respectively) were more common with zuranolone. CONCLUSION Oral zuranolone was safe and demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms, as assessed by HAMD-17 total score change from baseline over 14 days in Japanese patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Nakagome
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamichi Baba
- Biostatistics Center, Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuhiro Sonoyama
- Medical Science Department, Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Daiki Okutsu
- Clinical Research Department, Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Yamanaka
- Clinical Research Department, Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Shimizu
- Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics, Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Motomiya
- Project Management Department, Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inoue
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Scala M, Fanelli G, De Ronchi D, Serretti A, Fabbri C. Clinical specificity profile for novel rapid acting antidepressant drugs. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 38:297-328. [PMID: 37381161 PMCID: PMC10373854 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Mood disorders are recurrent/chronic diseases with variable clinical remission rates. Available antidepressants are not effective in all patients and often show a relevant response latency, with a range of adverse events, including weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Novel rapid agents were developed with the aim of overcoming at least in part these issues. Novel drugs target glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, orexin, and other receptors, providing a broader range of pharmacodynamic mechanisms, that is, expected to increase the possibility of personalizing treatments on the individual clinical profile. These new drugs were developed with the aim of combining a rapid action, a tolerable profile, and higher effectiveness on specific symptoms, which were relatively poorly targeted by standard antidepressants, such as anhedonia and response to reward, suicidal ideation/behaviours, insomnia, cognitive deficits, and irritability. This review discusses the clinical specificity profile of new antidepressants, namely 4-chlorokynurenine (AV-101), dextromethorphan-bupropion, pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one (PH-10), pimavanserin, PRAX-114, psilocybin, esmethadone (REL-1017/dextromethadone), seltorexant (JNJ-42847922/MIN-202), and zuranolone (SAGE-217). The main aim is to provide an overview of the efficacy/tolerability of these compounds in patients with mood disorders having different symptom/comorbidity patterns, to help clinicians in the optimization of the risk/benefit ratio when prescribing these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Scala
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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25
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Clayton AH, Lasser R, Parikh SV, Iosifescu DV, Jung J, Kotecha M, Forrestal F, Jonas J, Kanes SJ, Doherty J. Zuranolone for the Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Trial. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:676-684. [PMID: 37132201 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a 14-day treatment course of once-daily zuranolone 50 mg, an investigational oral positive allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor, for the treatment of major depressive disorder. METHODS Patients 18-64 years of age with severe major depressive disorder were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients self-administered zuranolone 50 mg or placebo once daily for 14 days. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in total score on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at day 15. Safety and tolerability were assessed by incidence of adverse events. RESULTS Of 543 randomized patients, 534 (266 in the zuranolone group, 268 in the placebo group) constituted the full analysis set. Compared with patients in the placebo group, patients in the zuranolone group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms at day 15 (least squares mean change from baseline HAM-D score, -14.1 vs. -12.3). Numerically greater improvements in depressive symptoms for zuranolone versus placebo were observed by day 3 (least squares mean change from baseline HAM-D score, -9.8 vs. -6.8), which were sustained at all visits throughout the treatment and follow-up periods of the study (through day 42, with the difference remaining nominally significant through day 12). Two patients in each group experienced a serious adverse event; nine patients in the zuranolone group and four in the placebo group discontinued treatment due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Zuranolone at 50 mg/day elicited a significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms at day 15, with a rapid time to effect (day 3). Zuranolone was generally well tolerated, with no new safety findings compared with previously studied lower dosages. These findings support the potential of zuranolone in treating adults with major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Clayton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - Robert Lasser
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - Sagar V Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - Dan V Iosifescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - JungAh Jung
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - Mona Kotecha
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - Fiona Forrestal
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - Jeffrey Jonas
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - Stephen J Kanes
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
| | - James Doherty
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (Clayton); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Jung, Jonas, Kanes, Doherty); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Parikh); Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Iosifescu); Biogen, Cambridge, Mass. (Kotecha, Forrestal)
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26
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Bhatti NA, Jobilal A, Asif K, Jaramillo Villegas M, Pandey P, Tahir AN, Balla N, Arellano Camargo MP, Ahmad S, Kataria J, Abdin ZU, Ayyan M. Exploring Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Depressive Disorders: The Role of Allopregnanolone Agonists. Cureus 2023; 15:e44038. [PMID: 37746458 PMCID: PMC10517642 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are caused due to the impaired functioning of important brain networks. Recent studies have also shown that it is caused by a significant reduction in the levels of allopregnanolone, which is a progesterone metabolite. Newer treatment modalities are now focusing on the usage of neuroactive steroids, such as allopregnanolone, in various depressive disorders. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive literature review on the clinical aspects of the allopregnanolone agonists brexanolone and zuranolone with reference to the physiological role of allopregnanolone. Brexanolone was approved by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of postpartum depression and has greatly influenced further research into potential drugs such as zuranolone, which is currently undergoing phase 3 of clinical trials. Although these drugs exhibit improvement in symptoms of depressive disorders along with notable side effects, further research is required for their future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Jobilal
- Internal Medicine, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, IND
| | - Kainat Asif
- Internal Medicine, Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Priyanka Pandey
- Anatomical Sciences, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, IND
| | | | - Neeharika Balla
- Internal Medicine, Maharajah's Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizianagaram, IND
| | | | - Sana Ahmad
- Psychiatry, TIME Organization Inc, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Zain U Abdin
- Family Medicine, IMG Helping Hands, Chicago, USA
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27
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Cutler AJ, Mattingly GW, Maletic V. Understanding the mechanism of action and clinical effects of neuroactive steroids and GABAergic compounds in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 37365161 PMCID: PMC10293235 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to result from impaired connectivity between key brain networks. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, working primarily via GABAA receptors, with an important role in virtually all physiologic functions in the brain. Some neuroactive steroids (NASs) are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors and potentiate phasic and tonic inhibitory responses via activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively. This review first discusses preclinical and clinical data that support the association of depression with diverse defects in the GABAergic system of neurotransmission. Decreased levels of GABA and NASs have been observed in adults with depression compared with healthy controls, while treatment with antidepressants normalized the altered levels of GABA and NASs. Second, as there has been intense interest in treatment approaches for depression that target dysregulated GABAergic neurotransmission, we discuss NASs approved or currently in clinical development for the treatment of depression. Brexanolone, an intravenous NAS and a GABAA receptor PAM, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in patients 15 years and older. Other NASs include zuranolone, an investigational oral GABAA receptor PAM, and PH10, which acts on nasal chemosensory receptors; clinical data to date have shown improvement in depressive symptoms with these investigational NASs in adults with MDD or PPD. Finally, the review discusses how NAS GABAA receptor PAMs may potentially address the unmet need for novel and effective treatments with rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with MDD.
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Covey DF, Evers AS, Izumi Y, Maguire JL, Mennerick SJ, Zorumski CF. Neurosteroid enantiomers as potentially novel neurotherapeutics. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105191. [PMID: 37085023 PMCID: PMC10750765 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous neurosteroids and synthetic neuroactive steroids (NAS) are important targets for therapeutic development in neuropsychiatric disorders. These steroids modulate major signaling systems in the brain and intracellular processes including inflammation, cellular stress and autophagy. In this review, we describe studies performed using unnatural enantiomers of key neurosteroids, which are physiochemically identical to their natural counterparts except for rotation of polarized light. These studies led to insights in how NAS interact with receptors, ion channels and intracellular sites of action. Certain effects of NAS show high enantioselectivity, consistent with actions in chiral environments and likely direct interactions with signaling proteins. Other effects show no enantioselectivity and even reverse enantioselectivity. The spectrum of effects of NAS enantiomers raises the possibility that these agents, once considered only as tools for preclinical studies, have therapeutic potential that complements and in some cases may exceed their natural counterparts. Here we review studies of NAS enantiomers from the perspective of their potential development as novel neurotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas F Covey
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Anesthesiology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alex S Evers
- Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Anesthesiology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jamie L Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven J Mennerick
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Sivcev S, Kudova E, Zemkova H. Neurosteroids as positive and negative allosteric modulators of ligand-gated ion channels: P2X receptor perspective. Neuropharmacology 2023; 234:109542. [PMID: 37040816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized de novo in the brain from cholesterol in an independent manner from peripheral steroid sources. The term "neuroactive steroid" includes all steroids independent of their origin, and newly synthesized analogs of neurosteroids that modify neuronal activities. In vivo application of neuroactive steroids induces potent anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, sedative, analgesic and amnesic effects, mainly through interaction with the γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptor (GABAAR). However, neuroactive steroids also act as positive or negative allosteric regulators on several ligand-gated channels including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and ATP-gated purinergic P2X receptors. Seven different P2X subunits (P2X1-7) can assemble to form homotrimeric or heterotrimeric ion channels permeable for monovalent cations and calcium. Among them, P2X2, P2X4, and P2X7 are the most abundant within the brain and can be regulated by neurosteroids. Transmembrane domains are necessary for neurosteroid binding, however, no generic motif of amino acids can accurately predict the neurosteroid binding site for any of the ligand-gated ion channels including P2X. Here, we will review what is currently known about the modulation of rat and human P2X by neuroactive steroids and the possible structural determinants underlying neurosteroid-induced potentiation and inhibition of the P2X2 and P2X4 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Sivcev
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Zemkova
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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30
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Gan D, Li C, Shu Y, Wang J, Wang C, Zhu L, Yang Y, Liu J, He B, Cai L, Ding Z. Steroids and dihydroisocoumarin glycosides from Xylaria sp. by the one strain many compounds strategy and their bioactivities. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:154-160. [PMID: 36871983 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The fungus Xylaria sp. KYJ-15 was isolated from Illigera celebica. Based on the one strain many compounds (OSMAC) strategy, the strain was fermented on potato and rice solid media, respectively. As a result, two novel steroids, xylarsteroids A (1) and B (2), which are the first examples of C28-steroid with an unusual β- and γ-lactone ring, respectively, along with two new dihydroisocoumarin glycosides, xylarglycosides A (3) and B (4), were identified. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments. All isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antimicrobial effect. Compound 1 exhibited potent AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 2.61 ± 0.05 μmol·L-1. The β-lactone ring unit of 1 is critical for its AChE inhibitory activity. The finding was further confirmed through exploring the interaction of 1 with AChE by molecular docking. In addition, both compounds 1 and 2 exhibited obvious antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 μg·mL-1. Compounds 3 and 4 exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus with MICs of 4 and 2 μg·mL-1, respectively, which also exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity comparable to the positive control with IC50 values of 9.2 ± 0.03 and 13.3 ± 0.01 μmol·L-1, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gan
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Chenzhe Li
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Yan Shu
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Jiapeng Wang
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Chengyao Wang
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Yujun Yang
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Bijian He
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Le Cai
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| | - Zhongtao Ding
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali 671003, China.
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Wald J, Henningsson A, Hanze E, Hoffmann E, Li H, Colquhoun H, Deligiannidis KM. Allopregnanolone Concentrations in Breast Milk and Plasma from Healthy Volunteers Receiving Brexanolone Injection, With Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Potential Relative Infant Dose. Clin Pharmacokinet 2022; 61:1307-1319. [PMID: 35869362 PMCID: PMC9439988 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-022-01155-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Women with postpartum depression (PPD) may expose their infants to antidepressants via breast milk. Brexanolone is the only FDA-approved antidepressant specifically indicated for the treatment of PPD. This open-label, phase Ib study of healthy lactating volunteers assessed pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of brexanolone and a population PK (PopPK) model determined the relative infant dose (RID) in breastfeeding mothers. Methods Twelve participants received a 60-h infusion of brexanolone (titration up to 90 µg/kg/h). Allopregnanolone concentration was measured in breast milk and plasma. The RID was computed using a nonlinear mixed-effects PopPK model of patients with PPD and healthy women (N = 156). Model results were extended across an integrated dataset of participants through day 7. Results Allopregnanolone concentration–time profiles were similar between breast milk and plasma (partition coefficient for concentration gradient [milk : plasma] 1.36). Mean (95% CI) Cmax was 89.7 ng/mL (74.19–108.39), and median (95% CI) tmax was 47.8 h (47.8–55.8) in plasma. The overall PK profile was best described by a two-compartment model with linear elimination and distribution. Body weight was the only significant covariate identified. There were no apparent differences in PopPK AUC and Cmax between participants with or without concomitant antidepressant treatment. Maximum RID was 1.3%. Conclusion The PopPK model successfully described the variability and concentration–time profiles of allopregnanolone in breast milk and plasma in healthy participants and in the plasma of brexanolone-treated patients with PPD. The rapid elimination of allopregnanolone from plasma and breast milk, and low RID, suggests the appropriateness of brexanolone weight-based dosing and supports other PK-related labeling recommendations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40262-022-01155-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Wald
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | | | | | - Ethan Hoffmann
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Haihong Li
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Helen Colquhoun
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Kristina M Deligiannidis
- Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
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Suthoff E, Kosinski M, Arnaud A, Hodgkins P, Gunduz-Bruce H, Lasser R, Silber C, Sankoh AJ, Li H, Werneburg B, Jonas J, Doherty J, Kanes SJ, Bonthapally V. Patient-reported health-related quality of life from a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of zuranolone in adults with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:19-26. [PMID: 35378149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD), a disabling, potentially life-threatening condition, negatively affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This secondary analysis aimed to understand the impact of the neuroactive steroid zuranolone on HRQoL using the Short Form-36v2 Health Survey (SF-36v2). METHODS Adult patients with MDD and 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression total score ≥22 were randomized 1:1 to receive zuranolone 30 mg or placebo for 2 weeks, with 4 weeks follow-up. SF-36v2 scores were assessed at Day 15 across 8 domains (Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health) and 2 summary scores (Physical and Mental Component), using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures. Correlations between SF-36v2 scores and clinician-reported efficacy endpoints were assessed using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS Eighty-nine patients were treated with zuranolone 30 mg (n = 45) or placebo (n = 44). In zuranolone-treated patients, HRQoL improved across all SF-36v2 domains and summary scores at Day 15. Improvements exceeding established minimally important difference thresholds were observed in Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health scores. Improvements in General Health, Vitality, Mental Health, and Mental Component Summary were statistically significant versus placebo (p ≤ 0.025). Clinician-rated endpoints negatively correlated with SF-36v2 scores. LIMITATIONS The small unipolar depression sample may not be representative of all US MDD patients. HRQoL measures could be impacted by factors unrelated to depression. CONCLUSIONS Zuranolone-treated patients reported rapid and significant improvements in HRQoL versus placebo at Day 15. HRQoL improvements correlated with improvements in clinician-rated assessments. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov:NCT03000530; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03000530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellison Suthoff
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America.
| | | | - Alix Arnaud
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Paul Hodgkins
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Robert Lasser
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Abdul J Sankoh
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Haihong Li
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Brian Werneburg
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Jonas
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - James Doherty
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Stephen J Kanes
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America
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Vasiliu O. Investigational Drugs for the Treatment of Depression (Part 1): Monoaminergic, Orexinergic, GABA-Ergic, and Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:884143. [PMID: 35774601 PMCID: PMC9237478 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.884143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic management of depression has currently important limitations, and its low efficacy is reflected in high rates of non-response even after multiple trials of antidepressants. Almost two-thirds of the patients diagnosed with major depression who received a 4–6 weeks trial of antidepressant could not reach remission, and more than 30% of these patients are considered treatment-resistant. In bipolar depression, the situation is also discouraging if we analyze the high suicide rate, the risk for the treatment-emergent affective switch when antidepressants are added, the high rate of treatment resistance (up to 25%), and the severe functional impairments associated with these episodes. Therefore, new therapeutic agents are needed, as well as new pathogenetic models for depression. The vast majority of the currently approved antidepressants are based on the monoamine hypothesis, although new drugs exploiting different neurotransmitter pathways have been recently approved by FDA. Brexanolone, an allopregnanolone analog, is an example of such new antidepressants, and its approval for post-partum depression inspired the search for a new generation of neurosteroids and GABA-ergic modulators, with an easier way of administration and superior tolerability profile. Orexin receptors antagonists are also extensively studied for different psychiatric disorders, depression included, in phase II trials. Antiinflammatory drugs, both cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors and biological therapy, are investigated in patients with depressive disorders based on the proven correlation between inflammation and mood disorders in preclinical and clinical studies. Also, a new generation of monoamine-based investigational drugs is explored, ranging from triple reuptake inhibitors to atypical antipsychotics, in patients with major depression. In conclusion, there is hope for new treatments in uni- and bipolar depression, as it became clear, after almost seven decades, that new pathogenetic pathways should be targeted to increase these patients’ response rate.
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Cerne R, Lippa A, Poe MM, Smith JL, Jin X, Ping X, Golani LK, Cook JM, Witkin JM. GABAkines - Advances in the discovery, development, and commercialization of positive allosteric modulators of GABA A receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108035. [PMID: 34793859 PMCID: PMC9787737 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors or GABAkines have been widely used medicines for over 70 years for anxiety, epilepsy, sleep, and other disorders. Traditional GABAkines like diazepam have safety and tolerability concerns that include sedation, motor-impairment, respiratory depression, tolerance and dependence. Multiple GABAkines have entered clinical development but the issue of side-effects has not been fully solved. The compounds that are presently being developed and commercialized include several neuroactive steroids (an allopregnanolone formulation (brexanolone), an allopregnanolone prodrug (LYT-300), Sage-324, zuranolone, and ganaxolone), the α2/3-preferring GABAkine, KRM-II-81, and the α2/3/5-preferring GABAkine PF-06372865 (darigabat). The neuroactive steroids are in clinical development for post-partum depression, intractable epilepsy, tremor, status epilepticus, and genetic epilepsy disorders. Darigabat is in development for epilepsy and anxiety. The imidazodiazepine, KRM-II-81 is efficacious in animal models for the treatment of epilepsy and post-traumatic epilepsy, acute and chronic pain, as well as anxiety and depression. The efficacy of KRM-II-81 in models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, preventing the development of seizure sensitization, and in brain tissue of intractable epileptic patients bodes well for improved therapeutics. Medicinal chemistry efforts are also ongoing to identify novel and improved GABAkines. The data document gaps in our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of GABAkines that drive differential pharmacological profiles, but emphasize advancements in the ability to successfully utilize GABAA receptor potentiation for therapeutic gain in neurology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Cerne
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Arnold Lippa
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jodi L. Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xingjie Ping
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lalit K. Golani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - James M. Cook
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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35
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Pan MK, Kuo SH. Essential tremor: Clinical perspectives and pathophysiology. J Neurol Sci 2022; 435:120198. [PMID: 35299120 PMCID: PMC10363990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common neurological disorders and can be highly disabling. In recent years, studies on the clinical perspectives and pathophysiology have advanced our understanding of ET. Specifically, clinical heterogeneity of ET, with co-existence of tremor and other neurological features such as dystonia, ataxia, and cognitive dysfunction, has been identified. The cerebellum has been found to be the key brain region for tremor generation, and structural alterations of the cerebellum have been extensively studied in ET. Finally, four main ET pathophysiologies have been proposed: 1) environmental exposures to β-carboline alkaloids and the consequent olivocerebellar hyper-excitation, 2) cerebellar GABA deficiency, 3) climbing fiber synaptic pathology with related cerebellar oscillatory activity, 4) extra-cerebellar oscillatory activity. While these four theories are not mutually exclusive, they can represent distinctive ET subtypes, indicating multiple types of abnormal brain circuitry can lead to action tremor. This article is part of the Special Issue "Tremor" edited by Daniel D. Truong, Mark Hallett, and Aasef Shaikh.
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36
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Manzella FM, Covey DF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Synthetic neuroactive steroids as new sedatives and anaesthetics: Back to the future. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13086. [PMID: 35014105 PMCID: PMC8866223 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1990s, there has been waning interest in researching general anaesthetics (anaesthetics). Although currently used anaesthetics are mostly safe and effective, they are not without fault. In paediatric populations and neonatal animal models, they are associated with learning impairments and neurotoxicity. In an effort to research safer anaesthetics, we have gone back to re-examine neuroactive steroids as anaesthetics. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that have direct, local effects in the central nervous system. Since the discovery of their anaesthetic effects, neuroactive steroids have been consistently used in human or veterinary clinics as preferred anaesthetic agents. Although briefly abandoned for clinical use due to unwanted vehicle side effects, there has since been renewed interest in their therapeutic value. Neuroactive steroids are safe sedative/hypnotic and anaesthetic agents across various animal species. Importantly, unlike traditional anaesthetics, they do not cause extensive neurotoxicity in the developing rodent brain. Similar to traditional anaesthetics, neuroactive steroids are modulators of synaptic and extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptors and their interactions at the GABAA receptor are stereo- and enantioselective. Recent work has also shown that these agents act on other ion channels, such as high- and low-voltage-activated calcium channels. Through these mechanisms of action, neuroactive steroids modulate neuronal excitability, which results in characteristic burst suppression of the electroencephalogram, and a surgical plane of anaesthesia. However, in addition to their interactions with voltage and ligand gated ions channels, neuroactive steroids interact with membrane bound metabotropic receptors and xenobiotic receptors to facilitate signaling of prosurvival, antiapoptotic pathways. These pathways play a role in their neuroprotective effects in neuronal injury and may also prevent extensive apoptosis in the developing brain during anaesthesia. The current review explores the history of neuroactive steroids as anaesthetics in humans and animal models, their diverse mechanisms of action, and their neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Manzella
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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The imidazodiazepine, KRM-II-81: An example of a newly emerging generation of GABAkines for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 213:173321. [PMID: 35041859 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GABAkines, or positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, are used for the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy, sleep, and other disorders. The search for improved GABAkines, with reduced safety liabilities (e.g., dependence) or side-effect profiles (e.g., sedation) constituted multiple discovery and development campaigns that involved a multitude of strategies over the past century. Due to the general lack of success in the development of new GABAkines, there had been a decades-long draught in bringing new GABAkines to market. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of efforts to bring GABAkines to patients, the FDA approval of the neuroactive steroid brexanolone for post-partum depression in 2019 being the first. Other neuroactive steroids are in various stages of clinical development (ganaxolone, zuranolone, LYT-300, Sage-324, PRAX 114, and ETX-155). These GABAkines and non-steroid compounds (GRX-917, a TSPO binding site ligand), darigabat (CVL-865), an α2/3/5-preferring GABAkine, SAN711, an α3-preferring GABAkine, and the α2/3-preferring GABAkine, KRM-II-81, bring new therapeutic promise to this highly utilized medicinal target in neurology and psychiatry. Herein, we also discuss possible conditions that have enabled the transition to a new age of GABAkines. We highlight the pharmacology of KRM-II-81 that has the most preclinical data reported. KRM-II-81 is the lead compound in a new series of orally bioavailable imidazodiazepines entering IND-enabling safety studies. KRM-II-81 has a preclinical profile predicting efficacy against pharmacoresistant epilepsies, traumatic brain injury, and neuropathic pain. KRM-II-81 also produces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in rodent models. Other key features of the pharmacology of this compound are its low sedation rate, lack of tolerance development, and the ability to prevent the development of seizure sensitization.
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Kaufman Y, Carlini SV, Deligiannidis KM. Advances in pharmacotherapy for postpartum depression: a structured review of standard-of-care antidepressants and novel neuroactive steroid antidepressants. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253211065859. [PMID: 35111296 PMCID: PMC8801644 DOI: 10.1177/20451253211065859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression is one of the most common morbidities of childbearing, yet it is underdiagnosed and undertreated with negative consequences for mother and offspring. Despite the widespread use of standard-of-care antidepressants as the mainstay of treatment for postpartum depression, there is limited evidence on their safety and efficacy due to their slow onset of action and suboptimal outcomes. The emergence of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neuroactive steroids may offer faster response and remission times and improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the evidence base for the efficacy of standard-of-care antidepressants, hormonal therapeutics including progestins and estradiol, and gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neuroactive steroids in the treatment of postpartum depression, as well as the safety of infant exposure to these agents during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yardana Kaufman
- Perinatal Psychiatry Center, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Sara V Carlini
- Perinatal Psychiatry Center, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Kristina M Deligiannidis
- Women's Behavioral Health, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, 75-59 263rd Street, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
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Singh K, Bhatia R, Kumar B, Singh G, Monga V. Design Strategies, Chemistry and Therapeutic Insights of Multi-target Directed Ligands as Antidepressant Agents. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1329-1358. [PMID: 34727859 PMCID: PMC9881079 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211102154311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the major disorders of the central nervous system worldwide and causes disability and functional impairment. According to the World Health Organization, around 265 million people worldwide are affected by depression. Currently marketed antidepressant drugs take weeks or even months to show anticipated clinical efficacy but remain ineffective in treating suicidal thoughts and cognitive impairment. Due to the multifactorial complexity of the disease, single-target drugs do not always produce satisfactory results and lack the desired level of therapeutic efficacy. Recent literature reports have revealed improved therapeutic potential of multi-target directed ligands due to their synergistic potency and better safety. Medicinal chemists have gone to great extents to design multitarget ligands by generating structural hybrids of different key pharmacophores with improved binding affinities and potency towards different receptors or enzymes. This article has compiled the design strategies of recently published multi-target directed ligands as antidepressant agents. Their biological evaluation, structural-activity relationships, mechanistic and in silico studies have also been described. This article will prove to be highly useful for the researchers to design and develop multi-target ligands as antidepressants with high potency and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanvir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Rohit Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Bhupinder Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda-151401, Punjab, India
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Bullock A, Gunduz‐Bruce H, Zammit GK, Qin M, Li H, Sankoh AJ, Silber C, Kanes SJ, Jonas J, Doherty J. A phase 1 double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zuranolone (SAGE-217) in a phase advance model of insomnia in healthy adults. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2806. [PMID: 34352138 PMCID: PMC9286466 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate single zuranolone (SAGE-217) 30 or 45 mg doses in a 5-h phase advance insomnia model. METHODS In this double-blind, three-way crossover study, healthy adults received placebo (n = 41), zuranolone 30 mg (n = 44), and zuranolone 45 mg (n = 42) across three treatment periods. Sleep was assessed by polysomnography and a postsleep questionnaire. Next-day residual effects and safety/tolerability were evaluated. RESULTS Compared with placebo, zuranolone resulted in significant improvements in median sleep efficiency (30 mg, 84.6%; 45 mg, 87.6%; placebo, 72.9%; p < 0.001 for both doses), wake after sleep onset (WASO; 30 mg, 55.0 min; 45 mg, 42.5 min; placebo, 113.0 min; p < 0.001 for both doses), duration of awakenings (30 mg, 4.2 min, p < 0.001; 45 mg, 3.7 min, p = 0.001; placebo, 7.4 min), and total sleep time (TST; 30 mg, 406.3 min; 45 mg, 420.3 min; placebo, 350.0 min; p < 0.001 for both doses). Subjective endpoints (WASO, TST, sleep latency, sleep quality) also improved relative to placebo. Zuranolone was generally well tolerated, and the most common adverse events (≥2 participants, any period) were headache and fatigue. CONCLUSION Zuranolone improved sleep measures versus placebo in a phase advance model of insomnia in healthy adults, supporting future studies in patients with insomnia disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Bullock
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Gary K. Zammit
- Clinilabs Drug Development CorporationNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Min Qin
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Haihong Li
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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The Neuroactive Steroid Pregnanolone Glutamate: Anticonvulsant Effect, Metabolites and Its Effect on Neurosteroid Levels in Developing Rat Brains. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010049. [PMID: 35056106 PMCID: PMC8780580 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnanolone glutamate (PA-G) is a neuroactive steroid that has been previously demonstrated to be a potent neuroprotective compound in several biological models in vivo. Our in vitro experiments identified PA-G as an inhibitor of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and a potentiator of γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs). In this study, we addressed the hypothesis that combined GABAAR potentiation and NMDAR antagonism could afford a potent anticonvulsant effect. Our results demonstrated the strong age-related anticonvulsive effect of PA-G in a model of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. PA-G significantly decreased seizure severity in 12-day-old animals, but only after the highest dose in 25-day-old animals. Interestingly, the anticonvulsant effect of PA-G differed both qualitatively and quantitatively from that of zuranolone, an investigational neurosteroid acting as a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABAARs. Next, we identified 17-hydroxy-pregnanolone (17-OH-PA) as a major metabolite of PA-G in 12-day-old animals. Finally, the administration of PA-G demonstrated direct modulation of unexpected neurosteroid levels, namely pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. These results suggest that compound PA-G might be a pro-drug of 17-OH-PA, a neurosteroid with a promising neuroprotective effect with an unknown mechanism of action that may represent an attractive target for studying perinatal neural diseases.
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Della Vecchia A, Arone A, Piccinni A, Mucci F, Marazziti D. GABA System in Depression: Impact on Pathophysiology and Psychopharmacology. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:5710-5730. [PMID: 34781862 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211115124149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the major causes of worldwide disability, is still largely unclear, despite the increasing data reporting evidence of multiple alterations of different systems. Recently, there was a renewed interest in the signalling of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) - the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review and comment on the available literature about the involvement of GABA in MDD, as well as on novel GABAergic compounds possibly useful as antidepressants. METHODS We carried out a narrative review through Pubmed, Google Scholar and Scopus, by using specific keywords. RESULTS The results, derived from various research tools, strongly support the presence of a deficiency of the GABA system in MDD, which appears to be restored by common antidepressant treatments. More recent publications would indicate the complex interactions between GABA and all the other processes involved in MDD, such as monoamine neurotransmission, hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis functioning, neurotrophism, and immune response. Taken together, all these findings seem to further support the complexity of the pathophysiology of MDD, possibly reflecting the heterogeneity of the clinical pictures. CONCLUSION Although further data are necessary to support the specificity of GABA deficiency in MDD, the available findings would suggest that novel GABAergic compounds might constitute innovative therapeutic strategies in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa. Italy
| | - Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa. Italy
| | - Armando Piccinni
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome. Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena. Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa. Italy
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Sun S, Wesolowski SS. Biologically active metabolites in drug discovery. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 48:128255. [PMID: 34245850 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biologically active metabolites are a valuable resource for development of drug candidates and lead structures for drug design. This digest highlights a selection of biologically active metabolites that have been used as new chemical entities for development or as lead structures for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyi Sun
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc, 200-3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada.
| | - Steven S Wesolowski
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc, 200-3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
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Deligiannidis KM, Meltzer-Brody S, Gunduz-Bruce H, Doherty J, Jonas J, Li S, Sankoh AJ, Silber C, Campbell AD, Werneburg B, Kanes SJ, Lasser R. Effect of Zuranolone vs Placebo in Postpartum Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:951-959. [PMID: 34190962 PMCID: PMC8246337 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.1559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Importance Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common medical complications during and after pregnancy, negatively affecting both mother and child. Objective To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of zuranolone, a neuroactive steroid γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-positive allosteric modulator, in PPD. Design, Setting, and Participants This phase 3, double-blind, randomized, outpatient, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted between January 2017 and December 2018 in 27 enrolling US sites. Participant were women aged 18 to 45 years, 6 months or fewer post partum, with PPD (major depressive episode beginning third trimester or ≤4 weeks postdelivery), and baseline 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) score of 26 or higher. Analysis was intention to treat and began December 2018 and ended March 2019. Interventions Randomization 1:1 to placebo:zuranolone, 30 mg, administered orally each evening for 2 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary end point was change from baseline in HAMD-17 score for zuranolone vs placebo at day 15. Secondary end points included changes from baseline in HAMD-17 total score at other time points, HAMD-17 response (≥50% score reduction) and remission (score ≤7) rates, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety score. Safety was assessed by adverse events and clinical assessments. Results Of 153 randomized patients, the efficacy set comprised 150 patients (mean [SD] age, 28.3 [5.4] years), and 148 (98.7%) completed treatment. A total of 76 patients were randomized to placebo, and 77 were randomized to zuranolone, 30 mg. Zuranolone demonstrated significant day 15 HAMD-17 score improvements from baseline vs placebo (-17.8 vs -13.6; difference, -4.2; 95% CI, -6.9 to -1.5; P = .003). Sustained differences in HAMD-17 scores favoring zuranolone were observed from day 3 (difference, -2.7; 95% CI, -5.1 to -0.3; P = .03) through day 45 (difference, -4.1; 95% CI, -6.7 to -1.4; P = .003). Sustained differences at day 15 favoring zuranolone were observed in HAMD-17 response (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.34-5.16; P = .005), HAMD-17 score remission (odds ratio, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.24-5.17; P = .01), change from baseline for Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score (difference, -4.6; 95% CI, -8.3 to -0.8; P = .02), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety score (difference, -3.9; 95% CI, -6.7 to -1.1; P = .006). One patient per group experienced a serious adverse event (confusional state in the zuranolone group and pancreatitis in the placebo group). One patient in the zuranolone group discontinued because of an adverse event vs none for placebo. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, zuranolone improved the core symptoms of depression as measured by HAMD-17 scores in women with PPD and was generally well tolerated, supporting further development of zuranolone in the treatment of PPD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02978326.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M. Deligiannidis
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | | | | | | | | | - Sigui Li
- Sage Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Walkery A, Leader LD, Cooke E, VandenBerg A. Review of Allopregnanolone Agonist Therapy for the Treatment of Depressive Disorders. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:3017-3026. [PMID: 34267503 PMCID: PMC8276990 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s240856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective This paper reviews the current literature available for the efficacy and safety of allopregnanolone agonists and discusses considerations for their place in therapy. Literature Search A literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, and the manufacturer's website. Data Synthesis One phase II trial and two phase III trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of brexanolone were identified. Brexanolone demonstrated efficacy through significantly reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores compared to placebo in the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Noted adverse effects were somnolence and dizziness, excessive sedation, and loss of consciousness. One published phase II study and the interim results of two phase III trials and one phase II trial on zuranolone were included in this review. Zuranolone, an oral allopregnanolone agonist, is given as a single, 14-day course. A significant reduction in HAM-D scores was demonstrated in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) at 15 and 28 days compared to placebo. Interim results for zuranolone in PPD and bipolar disorder (BPD) show promising reductions in HAM-D scores. Adverse effects included sedation, dizziness, and headache. Place in Therapy Allopregnanolone agonists seem to have a role in PPD when weighing the quick onset of action and potential risks of untreated PPD. The class of medications is limited by the single course for this indication and may fit as a bridge to maintenance therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Brexanolone, specifically, is hindered by the long infusion time, hospitalization associated with administration, and risk evaluation and mitigation strategy program. Zuranolone may also have a role in MDD or BPD, but more data are needed. Conclusion Allopregnanolone agonists present a novel mechanism of action in the treatment of depressive disorders. Clinical trials and interim results support significant reductions in depression scores for brexanolone in PPD, and for zuranolone in PPD, MDD, and BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn Walkery
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren D Leader
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily Cooke
- Department of Pharmacy, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Amy VandenBerg
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Rubinow DR, Lasser R, Kanes SJ. Comment on "Understanding the Clinical Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Neurosteroids". Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:572-573. [PMID: 34154385 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20121681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David R Rubinow
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill (Rubinow); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Kanes)
| | - Robert Lasser
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill (Rubinow); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Kanes)
| | - Stephen J Kanes
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill (Rubinow); Sage Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass. (Lasser, Kanes)
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Chen S, Gao L, Li X, Ye Y. Allopregnanolone in mood disorders: Mechanism and therapeutic development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105682. [PMID: 34019980 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A receptor (GABAAR), and the down-regulation of its biosynthesis have been attributed to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ALLO mediated depression/anxiety involves GABAergic mechanisms and appears to be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine receptor, glutamate neurotransmission, and Ca2+ channel. In the clinical, brexanolone, as a newly developed intravenous ALLO preparation, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In addition, traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could reverse ALLO decline. Recently, the translocation protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), which involves in the speed-limiting step of ALLO synthesis, and ALLO derivatization have been identified as new directions for antidepressant therapy. This review provides an overview of ALLO researches in animal model and patients, discusses its role in the development and treatment of depression/anxiety, and directs its therapeutic potential in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiping Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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SAGE-217, A Novel GABA A Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulator: Clinical Pharmacology and Tolerability in Randomized Phase I Dose-Finding Studies. Clin Pharmacokinet 2021; 59:111-120. [PMID: 31338688 PMCID: PMC6994455 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-019-00801-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background SAGE-217, a novel γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor positive allosteric modulator, was evaluated in phase I, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) studies to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of SAGE-217 following administration as an oral solution. Methods In the SAD study, subjects were randomized 6:2 to a single dose of SAGE-217 or placebo. Doses ranged from 0.25 to 66 mg across nine cohorts. In the MAD study, subjects were randomized 9:3 and received SAGE-217 (15, 30, or 35 mg) or placebo once daily for 7 days. In both studies, PK, maximum tolerated dose (MTD; against predetermined criteria), safety, and tolerability were assessed. Results A total of 108 healthy volunteers enrolled in the studies—72 subjects in the SAD study and 36 subjects in the MAD study. SAGE-217 was orally bioavailable, with a terminal-phase half-life of 16–23 h and a tmax of approximately 1 h. The MTDs for the oral solution of SAGE-217 in the SAD and MAD studies were determined to be 55 and 30 mg daily, respectively. In both studies, SAGE-217 was generally well tolerated, and no serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. Most AEs were mild, dose-dependent, transient, occurred around the tmax, and related to drug pharmacology. Conclusions SAGE-217 was generally well tolerated, and its PK profile was well characterized. Based on this profile, SAGE-217 has been advanced into multiple phase II clinical programs and pivotal studies of major depressive disorder and postpartum depression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40262-019-00801-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Niu C, Leavitt LS, Lin Z, Paguigan ND, Sun L, Zhang J, Torres JP, Raghuraman S, Chase K, Cadeddu R, Karthikeyan M, Bortolato M, Reilly CA, Hughen RW, Light AR, Olivera BM, Schmidt EW. Neuroactive Type-A γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Allosteric Modulator Steroids from the Hypobranchial Gland of Marine Mollusk, Conus geographus. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7033-7043. [PMID: 33949869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In a program to identify pain treatments with low addiction potential, we isolated five steroids, conosteroids A-E (1-5), from the hypobranchial gland of the mollusk Conus geographus. Compounds 1-5 were active in a mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) assay that suggested that they might be analgesic. A synthetic analogue 6 was used for a detailed pharmacological study. Compound 6 significantly increased the pain threshold in mice in the hot-plate test at 2 and 50 mg/kg. Compound 6 at 500 nM antagonizes type-A γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs). In a patch-clamp experiment, out of the six subunit combinations tested, 6 exhibited subtype selectivity, most strongly antagonizing α1β1γ2 and α4β3γ2 receptors (IC50 1.5 and 1.0 μM, respectively). Although the structures of 1-6 differ from those of known neuroactive steroids, they are cell-type-selective modulators of GABAARs, expanding the known chemical space of neuroactive steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changshan Niu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Lee S Leavitt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Noemi D Paguigan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Joshua P Torres
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Shrinivasan Raghuraman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kevin Chase
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Roberto Cadeddu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Manju Karthikeyan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Christopher A Reilly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Ronald W Hughen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Alan R Light
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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50
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Flick AC, Leverett CA, Ding HX, McInturff E, Fink SJ, Mahapatra S, Carney DW, Lindsey EA, DeForest JC, France SP, Berritt S, Bigi-Botterill SV, Gibson TS, Liu Y, O'Donnell CJ. Synthetic Approaches to the New Drugs Approved during 2019. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3604-3657. [PMID: 33783211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
New drugs introduced to the market are privileged structures having affinities for biological targets implicated in human diseases and conditions. These new chemical entities (NCEs), particularly small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates, provide insight into molecular recognition and simultaneously function as leads for the design of future medicines. This review is part of a continuing series presenting the most likely process-scale synthetic approaches to 40 NCEs approved for the first time anywhere in the world in 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Flick
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Carolyn A Leverett
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Hong X Ding
- Pharmacodia (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 100085, China
| | - Emma McInturff
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Sarah J Fink
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 125 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Subham Mahapatra
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Daniel W Carney
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Erick A Lindsey
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jacob C DeForest
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 10777 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Scott P France
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Simon Berritt
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Tony S Gibson
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Yiyang Liu
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Christopher J O'Donnell
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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