Advances in antidepressant pharmacotherapy: phase 3 evidence and clinical perspectives - PubMed
4 days ago
- #antidepressants
- #phase-3-trials
- #depression-treatment
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading global cause of disability with significant clinical and societal burden.
- Many patients experience inadequate response, partial remission, or treatment-resistant depression despite available antidepressants.
- Emerging pharmacological options beyond traditional monoaminergic agents show promise in phase 3 clinical trials.
- Newer agents target diverse depressive conditions like postpartum depression, acute suicidal ideation, and treatment-resistant MDD.
- Key treatments discussed include brexanolone, intranasal esketamine, dextromethorphan-bupropion, vortioxetine, and GLP-1 RAs.
- Newer antidepressants offer rapid symptom relief and potential cognitive or metabolic benefits.
- Challenges include limited guideline integration, insufficient long-term data, and implementation barriers.
- Clearer sequencing strategies and harmonized recommendations are needed for individualized depression management.