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Lithium Carbonate Capsule
Lithium carbonate modulates intracellular signaling pathways, particularly inhibiting inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), which alters neurotransmitter activity and neuroprotective gene expression.
Lithium carbonate modulates intracellular signaling pathways, particularly inhibiting inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), which alters neurotransmitter activity and neuroprotective gene expression. Used for Bipolar disorder, acute mania, Bipolar disorder, maintenance treatment, Major depressive disorder, augmentation therapy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Lithium Carbonate Capsule |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Milan |
| Drug class | Mood stabilizer |
| Target | Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), inositol monophosphatase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Lithium acts through multiple mechanisms including inhibition of GSK-3β, a key enzyme in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and depletion of inositol through inhibition of inositol monophosphatase. These effects lead to altered phosphatidylinositol signaling and changes in second messenger systems, ultimately modulating monoamine neurotransmission and promoting neuroprotective effects. The drug also influences protein kinase C and other kinase pathways involved in mood regulation and neuroplasticity.
Approved indications
- Bipolar disorder, acute mania
- Bipolar disorder, maintenance treatment
- Major depressive disorder, augmentation therapy
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Polyuria and polydipsia
- Nausea
- Cognitive dulling
- Weight gain
- Hypothyroidism
- Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Key clinical trials
- LiO-AD: Lithium Orotate in Alzheimers Disease Feasibility, Biomarker Engagement, and Clinical Response (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Virtual Reality and Olfactory Stimuli Multimodal Intervention to Reduce Post-Operative Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery (NA)
- A Study to Investigate Lithium Brain/Plasma Pharmacokinetics and Safety of an AL001 Oral Capsule Compared to a Marketed Immediate-release Lithium Carbonate Capsule in Healthy Adult Subjects (PHASE1)
- Effect of Lithium in Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (SHANK3 Haploinsufficiency) (PHASE3)
- Lithium As a Treatment to Prevent Impairment of Cognition in Elders (PHASE4)
- Repurposing Lithium for Parkinson's Disease (PHASE1)
- Repurposing Lithium for Parkinson's Disease: a RCT (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Platform Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Multiple Drugs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |