Radafaxine

Radafaxine is drug candidate designated 353162^[1] by GlaxoSmithKline, investigated for treatment of restless leg syndrome and as an NDRI antidepressant. GlaxoSmithKline was targeting Radafaxine for regulatory filing in 2007,^[2] but development was discontinued in 2006 due to "poor test results".^[3]

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Chemistry

It is a potent metabolite of bupropion, the compound in GlaxoSmithKline's Wellbutrin. More specifically, "hydroxybupropion" is a hydroxy derivative of bupropion, and radafaxine is an isolated isomer of hydroxybupropion.^[4]

Therefore, radafaxine builds on at least some of the properties of bupropion in humans.^[5]

Effects

Presently in various clinical trials, radafaxine is being studied as a treatment for clinical depression, obesity, and neuropathic pain. Radafaxine is described as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).

Unlike bupropion (which has a slightly higher effect on dopamine reuptake), radafaxine seems to have a higher potency on norepinephrine. This, according to GlaxoSmithKline, may account for the increased effect of radafaxine on pain and fatigue.^[6]

At least one study suggests that radafaxine has a low abuse potential similar to bupropion.^[7]

References

1. ^ http://www.bioportfolio.com/reports/DMD_Restless%20Legs%20Syndrome%20First%20Approval.htm
2. ^ http://www.biospace.com/news_story.aspx?StoryID=18222420&full=1
3. ^ http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article1199374.ece#10919204097707524565
4. ^ MeSH radafaxine
5. ^ http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=105&STORY=/www/story/11-23-2004/0002499330
6. ^ http://213.219.8.102/pdfs/gsk/cns_seminar/353162.pdf
7. ^ http://www.biopsychiatry.com/radafaxine.htm