Overall, the phase III results showed that desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS-233) significantly improved depressive symptoms in adult patients compared to placebo.
In a separate study investigating QTc prolongation involving healthy adult female subjects, desvenlafaxine succinate 200mg and 600mg doses did not affect the QT interval at the study's primary endpoint at eight hours post dose. Studying a drug's effect on the QT interval is one of many methods used to help determine a drug's overall safety profile.
In December 2005, Wyeth submitted a new drug application (NDA) to the FDA for desvenlafaxine succinate, a novel serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
“The phase III data showed that desvenlafaxine succinate can help improve symptoms in adult patients suffering with depression,” noted Dr Nicholas DeMartinis, associate director of clinical operations of the Neuropsychopharmacology Treatment Research and Training Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center and principal investigator of the trial. “Because a substantial number of patients with depression do not respond to current antidepressant treatments, it is important that new treatments continue to be developed to provide patients and physicians with additional treatment options.”