Study involves new medication for depression

Posted on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

A new medication to treat major depressive disorder in patients who have not responded to other antidepressants is being studied in a Phase II clinical trial by Medical School researchers.

The drug, identified as BMS-820836 by its maker Bristol-Myers Squibb, affects the brain’s neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, says the study’s principal investigator Dr. Jair Soares, UT Physicians psychiatrist.

“Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are all important in the chemical imbalance in the brain that can lead to depression. Since not all patients respond to current medications, it’s very important for us to study new drugs,” says Dr. Soares, who is co-director of the UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders. “This is part of our commitment to innovation by offering patients access to cutting-edge research.”

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects 121 million people around the world and is a leading cause of disability. From 20 to 30 percent of patients may not respond to the first antidepressant they take.

Enrollment for the international, multi-site, double-blinded study will last for two years. It is specifically for outpatients who have not responded to other antidepressants. All patients will begin the study by taking duloxetine (Cymbalta) and a placebo. After eight weeks, patients will remain on duloxetine but also will be randomized to either continue taking the placebo or add BMS-820836.

For more information on the study, contact the UT Mood Disorders Clinic, 713.486.2627.

— Deborah Mann Lake, Office of Advancement, Media Relations

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