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Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics
by ruth on December 16, 2005

Although anecdotal reports suggest that cannabis may be used to alleviate symptoms of depression, the psychotropic effects and abuse liability of this drug prevent its therapeutic application. The active constituent of cannabis, {Delta}9-tetrahydrocannabinol, acts by binding to brain CB1 cannabinoid receptors, but an alternative approach might be to develop agents that amplify the actions of endogenous cannabinoids by blocking their deactivation.
Scientists from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and the Universit� de Montr�al have shown in rats how a new drug, designated as URB597 can exhibit anti-depressant-like effects. By inhibiting an enzyme called fatty-acid amide hydrolase, URB597 is in effect, increasing the concentrations of endogenous cannabinoids by protecting them against degradation, subsequently resulting to imporoved mood.
"The results were similar to the effect we might expect from the use of commonly prescribed antidepressants, which are effective on only around 30% of the population," explains Dr. Gobbi. "Our discovery strengthens the case for URB597 as a safer, non-addictive, non-psychotropic alternative to cannabis for the treatment of pain and depression and provides hope for the development of an alternate line of antidepressants, with a wider range of effectiveness."
Source: MUHC
Tags:
depression
antidepressant
biotech
drug
candidate
drug+candidate
antidepressant+drug
increase+brain
Trackback: http://publish.creative-weblogging.com/publish/mt-tb.pl/12388
Mr Wong
Vote for New Antidepressant Drug Candidate Increase Brain Endocannabinoids:
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Rating: 7.20 out of 5 vote(s) cast.
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Response from:
linda shields
(06/27/06 10:35pm)
I am very interested in URB597. Are there any open clinical trials?
Response from:
ruth
(07/02/06 4:00pm)
hi linda. thank you for your comment. i think they are still conducting animal trials. better contact one of the authors of the paper at piomelli@uci.edu .
fyi, the paper was published here: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/51/18620
fyi, the paper was published here: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/51/18620
Response from:
narconon northern california
(07/03/07 2:35am)
I don't trust drugs, their name says it all. I always choose the natural treatment alternative, this is what makes me feel safe at an acceptable level. I have seen too much so far.
Response from:
Drug Rehab
(08/24/09 12:06am)
This "new" Antidepressant drug gives anyone that needs this type drug hope. I am very interested in URB597 if it will make the lives of the patient better, but also if it gives comfort to the patients loved ones.
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