Maurizio Fava, MD: REL-1017 Shows Potential as a Frontline Depression Treatment

Dextromethadone (REL-1017) could become a top of the line treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

In data presented at American Psychiatric Association Virtual Meeting, a research team led by Maurizio Fava, MD, Psychiatrist-In-Chief, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, found the treatment was effective in reducing MADRS scores for patients with MDD.

The researchers tested the treatment as an adjunctive therapy for patients with MDD who failed 1-3 adequate SATs.

Overall, they found the median percentage of life years from the start date of MDD was 23% for the 62 randomized patients. Patients receiving 25 mg and 50 mg doses were significantly more responsive to the treatment than the placebo group.

However, among patient above the median percentage of life-years, the response to the dextromethadone was not statistically significant.

The main findings were the therapeutic effects of dextromethadone were greater when the treatment is administered earlier rather than later.

In an interview with HCPLive®, Fava explained how the treatment could transform care for major depressive disorder and why the studies show dextromethadone could be moving up to be a frontline treatment in this patient population.