NMDA Receptor Modulators for CNS Disorders

We originally wrote about this topic here NMDA Receptor Modulators for Depression. There are now several companies interested in bringing a variety of NMDA drugs into the clinic, either as mono-therapy or coupled with enhancers.  Let's have a look at some of the companies, their drug, and indications that they are targeting.

Avanir:  Otsuka

AVP-786  Dextromethorphan + Quinidine
Ph 3  Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease
Ph 2  Residual Schizophrenia
Ph 2  Major depressive disorder (adjunct)

Axsome: AXSM

AXS-05  Dextromethorphan + Bupropion  

Ph 3 Treatment resistant depression

Ph 1 Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease

Cerecor:  CERC
CERC-301  NR2B Specific NMDA antagonist oral
Ph 2 Major depressive disorder (adjunct)

JNJ / Janssen
Esketamine  intranasal
Phase 3 adjunct with anti-depressant for TRD

Naurex:  Allergan
NMDA receptor partial agonist with selective properties
Ph 2 NRX-1074  IV
Ph 1 NRX-1074 Oral
Ph 3 GLYX-13 (Rapastinel) Weekly IV Major Depressive disorder

Vistagen:  VSTA
AV-101  NMDA selective antagonist oral
Ph 2 AV-101 Major depressive disorder 

Over the next couple years, we should see some meaningful clinical readouts from some of these companies.  Potentially NMDA drugs may provide for a more efficacious and safer, sustainable therapy, aside from current antidepressants for some of the above indications. Thank you for reading.

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