DOV Initiates Phase I Trial With DOV 102,677 for Depression

DOV Pharmaceutical, a leader in triple reuptake inhibitor drug discovery and development, has initiated the first Phase I clinical trial with DOV 102,677, believed to be a potent inhibitor of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake, with preferential action on the dopamine transporter protein.

DOV 102,677 is the third of DOV's triple reuptake inhibitors to enter the clinic. 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. The trial is being conducted under an investigational new drug application.

No currently marketed antidepressant inhibits the reuptake of all three neurotransmitters linked to depression: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, the company said. 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 on preclinical studies, DOV 102,677 has potential utility in the treatment of depression, attention-deficit disorder and obesity.