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Ketamine (1st phase)
Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain.
Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that blocks glutamate signaling in the brain. Used for Treatment-resistant depression, Acute suicidal ideation and behavior, Chronic pain conditions.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ketamine (1st phase) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ketalar |
| Sponsor | Shalvata Mental Health Center |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Mental Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ketamine binds to the phencyclidine binding site within the NMDA receptor ion channel, blocking the flow of ions and preventing excitatory glutamate neurotransmission. This mechanism produces rapid-onset dissociative and analgesic effects. In psychiatric applications, particularly for treatment-resistant depression, ketamine's effects are thought to involve downstream neuroplasticity changes and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling.
Approved indications
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Acute suicidal ideation and behavior
- Chronic pain conditions
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
- Sedation
Key clinical trials
- Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder (PHASE2)
- Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness as an Adjunct to Treatment as Usual in Treatment-Resistant Depression (NA)
- Effects of Ketamine in the Acute Phase of Suicidal Ideation (PHASE3)
- Behavioural Activation Therapy and Esketamine for Resistant Depression (NA)
- Department of Defense PTSD Adaptive Platform Trial - Intervention D - SLS-002 (PHASE2)
- A General Anesthesia Regimen for DBS Surgery in Patients With PD (NA)
- A Study of Intranasal Esketamine Plus an Oral Antidepressant for Relapse Prevention in Adult Participants With Treatment-resistant Depression (PHASE3)
- A Long-term, Safety and Efficacy Study of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-resistant Depression (PHASE3)
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:
- Ketamine (1st phase) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ketamine (1st phase) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Shalvata Mental Health Center portfolio CI