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Switching: Bupropion-SR

VA Office of Research and Development · Phase 3 active Small molecule Under review

Switching: Bupropion-SR is a Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by VA Office of Research and Development. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Major depressive disorder, Smoking cessation.

Bupropion-SR is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.

Bupropion-SR is used to treat Major Depressive Disorder, and it works by inhibiting the sodium-dependent dopamine transporter. This action is due to its classification as a small molecule inhibitor of the dopamine transporter.

Likelihood of approval
55.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • CNS / neurology attrition -3.0pp
    CNS drugs have historically high Phase 3 failure rates (notably in Alzheimer disease + major depression).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameSwitching: Bupropion-SR
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development
Drug classNorepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor
TargetNorepinephrine transporter, Dopamine transporter
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPsychiatry
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

This action is thought to contribute to its antidepressant and smoking cessation effects. Bupropion-SR also has some effect on serotonin levels, but this is less pronounced than its effect on norepinephrine and dopamine.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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:

Frequently asked questions about Switching: Bupropion-SR

What is Switching: Bupropion-SR?

Switching: Bupropion-SR is a Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor drug developed by VA Office of Research and Development, indicated for Major depressive disorder, Smoking cessation.

How does Switching: Bupropion-SR work?

Bupropion-SR is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.

What is Switching: Bupropion-SR used for?

Switching: Bupropion-SR is indicated for Major depressive disorder, Smoking cessation.

Who makes Switching: Bupropion-SR?

Switching: Bupropion-SR is developed by VA Office of Research and Development (see full VA Office of Research and Development pipeline at /company/va-office-of-research-and-development).

What drug class is Switching: Bupropion-SR in?

Switching: Bupropion-SR belongs to the Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor class. See all Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor drugs at /class/norepinephrine-dopamine-reuptake-inhibitor.

What development phase is Switching: Bupropion-SR in?

Switching: Bupropion-SR is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Switching: Bupropion-SR?

Common side effects of Switching: Bupropion-SR include Headache, Dry mouth, Insomnia, Nausea, Dizziness.

What does Switching: Bupropion-SR target?

Switching: Bupropion-SR targets Norepinephrine transporter, Dopamine transporter and is a Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing