Selfotel

Selfotel is a pharmacological agent that acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist. It was developed in the 1990s as a potential treatment for stroke and traumatic brain injury. However, clinical trials showed that it did not improve patient outcomes and may have caused harmful side effects.

History[edit | edit source]

Selfotel was developed by the pharmaceutical company Ciba-Geigy, now part of Novartis. It was one of several NMDA receptor antagonists developed in the 1990s, along with dizocilpine and aptiganel. These drugs were designed to protect the brain from damage caused by the overactivation of NMDA receptors, a phenomenon known as excitotoxicity.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Selfotel works by blocking the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor that plays a key role in learning and memory. Overactivation of NMDA receptors can lead to excitotoxicity, which is thought to contribute to brain damage in conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury. By blocking these receptors, selfotel is intended to protect the brain from this damage.

Clinical Trials[edit | edit source]

Selfotel underwent several clinical trials in the 1990s. Initial studies suggested that it might be beneficial for patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury. However, larger trials showed that it did not improve patient outcomes. In fact, some studies suggested that it might increase the risk of death and serious side effects.

Current Status[edit | edit source]

As of 2021, selfotel is not approved for use in any country. Research into NMDA receptor antagonists for the treatment of stroke and traumatic brain injury continues, but these drugs have yet to show clear benefits in large clinical trials.