Technology ID
TAB-3583
Use of the Ketamine Metabolite (R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in Depression
E-Numbers
E-036-2016-0
Lead Inventor
Thomas, Craig (NCATS)
Co-Inventors
Gould, Todd (University of Maryland)
Wainer, Irving (NIA)
Zarate, Carlos (NIMH)
Moaddel, Ruin (NIA)
Morris, Patrick (NCATS)
Zanos, Panos (University of Maryland)
Applications
Therapeutics
Research Materials
Therapeutic Areas
Psychiatry/Mental Health
Neurology
Lead IC
NCATS
ICs
NIMH
NIA
NCATS
This technology includes the identification and use of a ketamine metabolite, (2R,6R)-2-amino-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-hydroxycyclohexanone (HNK), for the treatment of depression. Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that exerts a rapid and sustained antidepressant and anti-suicidal effect. However, even low doses of ketamine has addictive and psychomimetic effects. The downstream metabolite, (2R,6R)-HNK, does not inhibit the NMDA receptor but recapitulates the antidepressant and anti-suicidal effect of ketamine. Further clinical work could establish a ketamine metabolite, such as (2R,6R)-HNK, for the treatment of depression.
Commercial Applications
Further work with the product (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) could establish its use for the treatment of depression.
Competitive Advantages
While ketamine has already been demonstrated as a robust and acute antidepressant, its use is limited due to multiple liabilities, including its addictive potential. The use of ketamine metabolites, including (2R,6R)-HNK, retains all of the antidepressant effects of ketamine without the associated liabilities.
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