Investigating novel pharmacological strategies for treatment-resistant depression: focus on new mechanisms and approaches

Abstract

Introduction: A substantial number of patients exhibit treatment-resistant depression (TRD), posing significant challenges to clinicians. The discovery of novel molecules or mechanisms that may underlie TRD pathogenesis and antidepressant actions is highly needed.

Areas covered: Using the PubMed database, the authors searched for emerging evidence of novel approaches for TRD based on experimental and human studies. Herein, the authors discuss the mechanisms underlying glutamatergic antagonists, modulators of the opioid system, and tryptamine-derivate psychedelics as well as the emerging platforms to investigate novel pharmacological targets for TRD. A search for clinical trials investigating novel agents and interventions for TRD was also conducted.

Expert opinion: The understanding of the multiple pathophysiological mechanisms involved in TRD may add further value to the effective treatment, contributing to a more personalized approach. Esketamine was approved for the treatment of TRD and novel drugs with rapid antidepressant actions such as psilocybin and buprenorphine have also been investigated as potential therapeutic strategies. Over the past decades, technological advances such as omics approaches have broadened our knowledge regarding molecular and genetic underpinnings of complex conditions like TRD. Omics approaches could open new avenues for investigating glial-mediated mechanisms, including their crosstalk with neurons, as therapeutic targets in TRD.

Keywords: Major depression; buprenorphine; ketamine; psilocybin; treatment resistant depression.