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Lithium (LI)
Lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways, particularly inhibiting inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), which alters neurotransmitter activity and neuroprotective processes in the brain.
Lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways, particularly inhibiting inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), which alters neurotransmitter activity and neuroprotective processes in the brain. Used for Bipolar I disorder (acute mania and maintenance), Major depressive disorder (augmentation therapy), Bipolar depression.
At a glance
| Generic name | Lithium (LI) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Depakote |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University |
| Drug class | Mood stabilizer |
| Target | Inositol monophosphatase, GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Lithium's exact mechanism remains incompletely understood, but it is known to inhibit GSK-3 and affect phosphatidylinositol signaling, leading to changes in gene expression and neuroplasticity. These effects result in mood stabilization and neuroprotection, making it effective in bipolar disorder and depression. The drug also influences serotonin and norepinephrine systems, contributing to its therapeutic effects.
Approved indications
- Bipolar I disorder (acute mania and maintenance)
- Major depressive disorder (augmentation therapy)
- Bipolar depression
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Polyuria and polydipsia
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism)
- Renal impairment
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Cognitive dulling
- Lithium toxicity (at high levels)
Key clinical trials
- Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of Treatment With COMS One Device in Subjects With Diabetic Foot Ulcers (NA)
- Feasibility of eLi12 (NA)
- Effect of Lithium in Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (SHANK3 Haploinsufficiency) (PHASE3)
- Real-world Lithium Intake
- Outcomes and Health Economics of Stroke Using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (NA)
- Impact of Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthesis Leg on Everyday Community Mobility and Social Interaction (NA)
- Evaluation of the Effect of Spry Belt Treatment on Bone Turnover Marker Profile (NA)
- Comparison Low-Level Laser Therapy With Cryotherapy in Parturients With Laceration and/or Episiotomy on Pain Reduction (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:
- Lithium (LI) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Lithium (LI) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University portfolio CI