Third DOV antidepressant enters clinic

DOV 102,677 is believed to be a potent inhibitor of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake, with preferential action on the dopamine transporter protein. This clinical trial is a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a range of escalating single doses of DOV 102,677 in healthy volunteers.

No currently marketed antidepressant inhibits the reuptake of all three neurotransmitters linked to depression: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Both preclinical studies and clinical trials indicate that a drug inhibiting reuptake of all three such neurotransmitters will produce more rapid onset of action and greater efficacy than traditional antidepressants.

DOV believes that such a ‘broad spectrum’ antidepressant could represent a breakthrough in the treatment of depression. Based upon preclinical studies, DOV 102,677 has potential utility in the treatment of depression, ADHD and obesity.

“DOV 102,677 is the second compound from our internal preclinical discovery program to enter the clinic, with DOV 21,947 the first,” stated Dr Phil Skolnick, DOV’s senior vice president of research and chief scientific officer. “Following completion of this clinical trial, we intend, in 2005, to initiate two additional phase I clinical trials and a phase II clinical trial for DOV 102,677.”

DOV 102,677 is related to DOV 216,303 and DOV 21,947, the two clinical-stage triple reuptake inhibitors licensed to a subsidiary of Merck & Co in September 2004. Merck has rights of first offer and refusal if DOV determines to commercialize DOV 102,677 for depression or anxiety.