Vabicaserin

Vabicaserin.svg

Vabicaserin is a pharmaceutical drug that was under investigation for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. It is a selective serotonin receptor agonist, specifically targeting the 5-HT2C receptor.

Mechanism of Action

Vabicaserin functions primarily as an agonist at the 5-HT2C receptor, a subtype of the serotonin receptor. By activating these receptors, vabicaserin is believed to modulate the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation and cognitive function.

Clinical Development

Vabicaserin was developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which later became part of Pfizer. The drug underwent several clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety in treating schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. However, the development of vabicaserin was eventually discontinued due to insufficient efficacy in clinical trials.

Potential Applications

Despite its discontinuation, vabicaserin's mechanism of action has provided valuable insights into the role of the 5-HT2C receptor in psychiatric disorders. Research into similar serotonin receptor agonists continues, with the hope of developing more effective treatments for conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Side Effects

During clinical trials, vabicaserin was associated with several side effects, including nausea, headache, and insomnia. These side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity.

See Also

• Serotonin receptor
• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Pharmaceutical drug development

External Links

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