CERC-501

CERC-501 is a drug that is being developed for the treatment of depression and nicotine addiction. It is a selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist.

History

CERC-501 was originally developed by AstraZeneca, but the development rights were later acquired by Cerecor. The drug has undergone Phase II clinical trials for depression and nicotine addiction.

Mechanism of Action

CERC-501 works by selectively blocking the kappa opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are involved in the regulation of mood and the body's response to stress. By blocking these receptors, CERC-501 may help to reduce symptoms of depression and nicotine addiction.

Clinical Trials

CERC-501 has undergone Phase II clinical trials for both depression and nicotine addiction. In the trials for depression, the drug was found to be well-tolerated and showed some evidence of efficacy. In the trials for nicotine addiction, the drug also showed some promise, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Potential Side Effects

As with any drug, CERC-501 may cause side effects. In the clinical trials, the most common side effects were nausea, headache, and dizziness. However, these side effects were generally mild and did not lead to any participants discontinuing the trial.

Future Research

Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of CERC-501 for depression and nicotine addiction. If the drug is found to be effective, it could potentially be a valuable new treatment option for these conditions.

CERC-501 Resources
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