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 (National Institute of Mental Health (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
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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