HMNC Brain Health Archives - Medical Design Sourcing

Ketabon GmbH eyes KET01’s potential as an at-home option for treatment-resistant depression

A joint venture between HMNC Brain Health and Develco Pharma in Switzerland, Ketabon GmbH recently released top-line results from its phase 2 KET01-02 study of KET01, a slow-release formulation of oral ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). KET01 was associated with improvements in depression severity as early as day 1, but the results were not statistically significant at day 21.

The promise of rapid onset without dissociative effects

“This is the second study with KET01 that demonstrates a signal of robust and rapid onset of improvement of depressive symptoms from baseline, without the prominent dissociative effects that have limited the uptake of other ketamine-based treatments,” stated Dr. Hans Eriksson, chief medical officer at Ketabon and HMNC Brain Health.

He added that conducting the KET01-02 study at home without concerns about administration further bolsters their take-at-home approach.

Regarding the lack of statistical significa…

The psychedelic neuroplasticity and safety conundrum: Reaping the rewards of neuroplasticity with caution

[nobeastsofierce/Adobe Stock]

Evidence continues to build that serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, DMT, and LSD promote neuroplasticity. Cortical atrophy is involved in the development of a broad swathe of neuropsychiatric conditions ranging from depression to substance use disorder. But it remains unclear how psychedelics may potentially treat mood disorders and other conditions. Despite their therapeutic potential, these compounds continue to remain unpopular in some quarters and could be contraindicated for many individuals even if they ultimately win regulatory approval.

Drug developers, such as Boston-based Delix Therapeutics and Onsero Therapeutics, aim to develop compounds that trigger neuroplasticity in what they deem to be a safer and more accessible therapeutic option than classic psychedelics.

Meanwhile, players such as Compass Pathways (Nasdaq:CMPS) and Small Pharma (CVE:DMT), are wo…

Ketamine for depression: Is disassociation really necessary?

[Image courtesy of PubChem]

Ketamine has emerged as a quick-acting antidepressant in recent years. While use of the dissociative anesthetic for depression has exploded, hurdles remain.

A single ketamine infusion can cost $400 or more in the U.S. Ketamine can also cause significant transient increases in blood pressure.

Furthermore, higher doses of the drug can lead to pronounced states of disassociation, which can induce anxiety in some individuals. Doctors generally recommend that patients receiving ketamine avoid driving or operating machinery for some time following a treatment session.

Whether ketamine’s dissociative side effects are necessary for its antidepressant effects remains unclear.

Dissociating from dissociative side effects

“The dissociative side effects have had a negative impact on the uptake of this [ketamine-based] treatment approach,” said Dr. Hans Erikss…