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Esketamine Nasal Product
Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that rapidly blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce fast-acting antidepressant effects.
Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that rapidly blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce fast-acting antidepressant effects. Used for Treatment-resistant depression, Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
At a glance
| Generic name | Esketamine Nasal Product |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ATC code: N06AB10 |
| Sponsor | Dr. Inge Winter |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Esketamine is the S-enantiomer of ketamine and works by antagonizing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are glutamate-gated ion channels. This blockade leads to rapid disinhibition of downstream neural circuits and increased synaptic plasticity, resulting in antidepressant effects that occur within hours to days rather than weeks. The nasal formulation allows for non-invasive systemic delivery while potentially achieving rapid CNS penetration.
Approved indications
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sedation
- Vertigo
Key clinical trials
- KF2024#1-trial: Esketamine Interaction Study (PHASE1)
- Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Depression After a First-time Treatment Failure (PHASE3)
- The Effect of a Six Week Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder Compared to Treatment as Usual in Subjects Who Had a First-time Treatment Failure on Their First-line Treatment. (PHASE3)
- A Long-Term Extension Study for Participants With Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder Who Are Continuing Esketamine Nasal Spray Treatment (PHASE4)
- A Long-term Comparison of Esketamine Nasal Spray Versus Quetiapine Extended Release, Both in Combination With a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor/Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor, in Participants With Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder (PHASE3)
- A Study to Assess Feasibility of Using Clinician-directed and Digital Application Supported Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in Conjunction With Esketamine in Participants With Treatment-resistant Depression (PHASE1)
- Fentanyl or Esketamine for Traumatic PAIN (FORE-PAIN) Trial (PHASE3)
- Add-on Therapy With Edupression.Com® on Therapy Resistant Depressive Patients Treated With Nasal Esketamine Spray (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Esketamine Nasal Product CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Esketamine Nasal Product updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Dr. Inge Winter portfolio CI