Creating new medications to improve treatment for depression
Official title: Development of brain-penetrant COMT inhibitors for the treatment of depressive disorders
Funded at Psy Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10696272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new medications that can better reach the brain to help improve treatment for major depressive disorder, aiming to make antidepressants more effective and with fewer side effects, so you can feel better faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Psy Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $458,385 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MH133470-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10696272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to existing antidepressant treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depressive symptoms or those who do not meet the criteria for major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing brain-penetrant inhibitors of the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) to enhance the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). By targeting the dopaminergic system, the study aims to create more effective antidepressant medications that can alleviate symptoms such as loss of motivation and pleasure. The approach involves innovative drug design and testing to ensure these new compounds can effectively reach the brain and provide relief from depressive symptoms. Patients may benefit from a faster onset of action and fewer side effects compared to current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective antidepressant medications that improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the dopaminergic system for depression treatment, indicating that this approach could be a viable option.
Where this research is happening
-
Psy Therapeutics, INC.
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cross, Alan J. — Psy Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Cross, Alan J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.