Technologies

Depression refers to a wide range of mental health problems characterized by the absence of a positive affect, low mood and a range of associated emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral symptoms.

This invention is directed to methods for treating major and minor forms of depression and alleviating pain, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonist. Especially useful for long-acting CCK2 receptor antagonists such as YM022 and TF476.

CCK is an extremely abundant neuropeptide in the central nervous system. CCK receptors are classified into two types, CCK1R and CCK2R, both of which are present in brain. YM022 and YF476 are benzodiazepine derivatives that selectively inhibit CCK2 receptors. Both oral administration and injection of YM022 and YF476 can produce prolonged and stable pharmacological effects.

Current antidepressants on the market, include SSRIs, are usually taken at least once daily. However, the CCK receptor antagonists YM022 and YF476, with their prolonged half-life in vivo, can be used as efficient long-acting antidepressants.