Synaptic: Better reception for depression

Approaches to treating depression have relied on general inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake, increasing the amount of time serotonin and other brain signaling molecules stay in the synaptic cleft in order to increase the intensity of their activity. However, those approaches are not necessarily specific to neurons involved in emotional state or behavior, and they also can produce side effects such as weight changes and sexual dysfunction. With its identification of a novel G protein-coupled neuroreceptor and drug candidates that selectively target the receptor, Synaptic Pharmaceutical Corp. may have a more specific approach to treat depression than inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake.

"One of the driving features in depression has been to get a receptor-based mechanism," said Kathleen Mullinix, chairman, president and CEO. "Perhaps a receptor-based therapy will generate a drug that is more specific than the entire reuptake system, has fewer side effects and has a faster onset of action." Neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors require some time to work due to the neuronal conditioning that takes place following elevations in neurotransmitter levels. Such conditioning may not be needed with receptor modulators, Mullinix said...