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Intravenous Esketamine
Intravenous esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that rapidly blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce fast-acting antidepressant effects.
Intravenous 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 (TRD), Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
At a glance
| Generic name | Intravenous Esketamine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Janssen Research & Development, LLC |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Mental Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Esketamine is the S-enantiomer of ketamine and works by antagonizing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are ionotropic glutamate receptors. 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 IV formulation allows for controlled dosing and direct CNS penetration.
Approved indications
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Headache
- Vertigo
- Hypertension
Key clinical trials
- University of Iowa Interventional Psychiatry Service Patient Registry
- An Exploratory Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Esketamine and Dexmedetomidine in Non-Intubated ICU Patients With Hyperactive Delirium (PHASE4)
- Effect of Continuous Intraoperative Esketamine Infusion on Perioperative Negative Emotions in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients With Mild-to-Severe Depression (NA)
- Effects of Esketamine and Bilateral Lower Limb Elevation on Hemodynamic Stability During Induction of General Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery (NA)
- Effect of Esketamine on Perioperative Negative Emotions in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients With Severe Depression (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Short Term S-ketamine Infusion as an Adjunctive Therapy in Patients With Fibromyalgia (NA)
- Intraoperative Multimodal Monitoring as a Means in Reducing the Duration of Mechanical Ventilation in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Procedures - A Pilot Study (NA)
- Esketamine-propofol Versus Propofol for Flexible Bronchoscopy (PHASE4)
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:
- Intravenous Esketamine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Intravenous Esketamine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC portfolio CI