Depression is one of the most prevalent and disabling disorders worldwide. Current antidepressants often take weeks to work and fail in a significant number of patients. The project aims to develop a novel, fast-acting, and well-tolerated antidepressant by targeting the GluN2D subunit of the NMDA receptor - a mechanism the scientists identified as key to ketamine’s antidepressant effects in preclinical studies.
The lead compound, NAB-14, is a selective GluN2D antagonist that replicated ketamine’s therapeutic effects in animal models, but without its side effects or abuse potential. It is designed for oral use, allowing for safe and simple administration at home.

The goal of this project is to complete the preclinical development of NAB-14 and prepare for first-in-human clinical trials. In parallel, the scientists are developing objective biomarkers to guide personalized treatment and stratification in clinical trials - including EEG-based assessments of neuroplasticity in humans.
The team at the University Medical Center Freiburg is supported by experienced partners from academia, industry, and diagnostics. With the support of the ForTra gGmbH, the team aims to take this promising therapy approach from lab bench to bedside.

You can find more information here.