Posted by pfinstegg on October 4, 2002, at 21:06:04
In reply to What IS substance P? (nm), posted by dave40252 on October 4, 2002, at 17:21:47
Hi...Substance P is one a newly discovered group of neurotransmitters called neurokinins. It is, when at normal levels, an essential transmitter involved in emotional regulation and pain perception in the amygdala. However, if the levels become too high, it is thought to play an important role in the onset of depression.
Because of this, research interests have focussed on substance P antagonists, also called NK1 receptor antagonists- the site of blockade being the amygdala. Merck had one called MK-869; it was shown in laboratory animals to stimulate the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, and to alleviate major depression. It was initially very exciting and promising: it acted independently of the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine systems, and had a good side effect profile- including no sexual side effects. However, it got bogged down in phase 2 because it wasn't clear that it was a really effective AD. Merck discontinued work on it, but is working on a more potent variant of it; they expect to file for FDA approval in 2002. Novartis is also testing a substance P antagonist called NKP608; they expect to file for approval in 2003. It sounds good, doesn't it- but we'll have to wait a while.
Pfinstegg
poster:pfinstegg
thread:122132
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020930/msgs/122378.html