Spravato Clinical Trials

What Are Spravato Clinical Trials?

Spravato clinical trials are research studies that are conducted to test the safety and efficacy of a new medication or treatment. These clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate this new medication's safety and efficacy for treating major depressive disorder.

Why Is Spravato Being Studied in Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials for major depressive disorder are necessary because many people suffer from this mental illness and do not respond well to traditional treatments, such as antidepressants. Spravato may offer a new option for those individuals who have not been able to find relief from other treatments.

Current major depressive disorder treatments, such as antidepressants, can take weeks or even months to work. Spravato is a fast-acting medication that has the potential to provide relief from symptoms quickly.

Clinical research must be conducted to evaluate Spravato's safety and efficacy in treating major depressive disorder. The results of these clinical trials will help determine whether Spravato is an effective treatment option for people with this mental illness.

How Does Spravato Work?

Spravato works by increasing the level of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. Glutamate is involved in many processes in the brain, including learning and memory. Spravato may help to improve communication between neurons in the brain and may help to reduce the symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Spravato is a nasal spray that delivers esketamine, a medication similar to ketamine, into the bloodstream. Esketamine is thought to work by blocking specific receptors in the brain that are involved in depression.

Spravato is usually administered twice weekly, although a healthcare provider will determine the exact dosing schedule. Treatment with Spravato typically lasts for four weeks, although some people may require a longer treatment course.

What Are Some of The Breakthrough Clinical Trials Involving Spravato?

Some breakthrough clinical trials involving Spravato include:

2017: This study showed that Esketamine (Spravato) Nasal Spray demonstrated rapid efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms of ill patients with major depressive disorder who have active suicidal ideation with intent. However, the study paired Esketamine with comprehensive standard-of-care treatment in a psychiatric hospital.

2020: This study tested Esketamine (Spravato) Nasal Spray plus an Oral Antidepressant in patients with Treatment-resistant Depression (TRD). The findings suggest that in combination with another oral antidepressant, Spravato helped sustain long-term symptoms of depression.

2023: The most recent breakthrough was a study to use Esketamine (Spravato) Nasal Spray to treat Unipolar Major Depression with Psychotic Features. Results showed that a 0.5 mg/kg dose could benefit those suffering from PMDD. However, future research needs to be done with more controlled designs.

Who Are The Key Opinion Leaders On Spravato Clinical Trial Research?

Dr. Carlos A. Zarate - Is a professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine and the director of the Laboratory of Neuroimaging in Mood and Anxiety Disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). His research has contributed to our understanding of the relationship between bipolar disorder and sleep disturbances.

Dr. Sidney H. Kennedy - Is a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto and the director of the Spravato Treatment-Resistant Depression Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Kennedy has been involved in Spravato's clinical research since 2009 and has played a crucial role in its development as a treatment for major depressive disorder.