Conclusions : According to the published literature , the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 are superior to those of both the HAM-D17 and MADRS .
Background : In a study aim ed at identifying the items carrying information regarding the global severity of depression , the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( HAM-D6 ) was derived from the original 17-item version of the scale ( HAM-D17 ) .
Since then , the HAM-D6 has been used in a wide range of clinical studies .
We now provide a systematic review of the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 in comparison with those of HAM-D17 and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS ) .
Randomized proof of concept trial of GLYX-13, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor glycine site partial agonist, in major depressive disorder nonresponsive to a previous antidepressant agent.
BACKGROUND Approximately 45 % of patients with major depressive disorder ( MDD ) do not remit when treated with biogenic amine antidepressants . Consequently , there is a significant need for antidepressant agents with different mechanisms of action . Early proof of concept ( POC ) studies with such novel agents play a significant role in helping drug developers identify agents and mechanisms of action that merit more intensive research . Studies have demonstrated that high affinity N-methyl-Daspartate ( NMDA ) receptor blockers ( eg , ketamine ) can produce rapid antidepressant effects in patients who have not responded to currently available agents , but treatment with these agents is accompanied by psychotomimetic effects that make their use problematic . This column describes a POC study involving GLYX-13 , an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor glycine site functional partial agonist . METHOD In this double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled study , a single intravenous ( IV ) dose of GLYX-13 ( 1 , 5 , 10 , or 30 mg/kg ) or placebo was administered to 116 subjects with MDD who had not benefitted from a trial of at least one biogenic amine antidepressant during the current episode . The primary outcome measure was score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 ( Ham-D17 ) , which was used to rate overall depressive symptoms at baseline and at 24 hours and days 3 , 7 , 14 , and , in some arms , days 21 and 28 after administration . RESULTS GLYX-13 , 5 or 10 mg/kg IV , reduced depressive symptoms as assessed by the Ham-D17 at days 1 through 7 . Onset of action as assessed using the Bech-6 occurred within 2 hours . GLYX-13 did not elicit psychotomimetic or other significant side effects . CONCLUSION In this early POC study , GLYX-13 reduced depressive symptoms within 2 hours and this effect was maintained for 7 days on average in subjects with MDD who had not responded to another antidepressant agent during the current depressive episode . The findings of this study support the hypothesis that modulation of the NMDA receptor is a valid target for the development of antidepressant drugs and the need for additional studies to further evaluate the effects of GLYX-13 . POC studies such as the one described here play a pivotal role in allowing drug research ers to decide whether to move forward with larger and more expensive studies , and they enable them to focus available re sources on those molecules that appear to have the most therapeutic promise . Based on the POC study described here , a multiple dose study has been completed which showed sustained therapeutic benefit with repeated dosing of GLYX-13 for more than 6 weeks . Phase 3 studies are now being planned
Conclusions : According to the published literature , the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 are superior to those of both the HAM-D17 and MADRS .
Background : In a study aim ed at identifying the items carrying information regarding the global severity of depression , the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( HAM-D6 ) was derived from the original 17-item version of the scale ( HAM-D17 ) .
Since then , the HAM-D6 has been used in a wide range of clinical studies .
We now provide a systematic review of the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 in comparison with those of HAM-D17 and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS ) .