ERIC J. NESTLER, MD, PhD
NASH FAMILY PROFESSOR OF NEUROSCIENCE
CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF NEUROSCIENCE
DIRECTOR, FRIEDMAN BRAIN INSTITUTE
MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
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HOW IS HDRF
MAKING A DIFFERENCE?
STATUS OF DEPRESSION TREATMENT TODAY
STAR-D, the largest depression study ever conducted,
with over 2,500 participants,
found that
less than 50% achieve
a full, sustained remission with
currently available treatments.
Commonly Used Antidepressant Medications
SSRIs/ Serotonin Neurotransmitters:
Trade Name
Celexa
Cipralex, Lexapro,
Luvox
Paxil, Seroxat
Prozac
Zoloft, Lustral
Generic Name
Citalopram
Escitalopram
Fluvoxamine
Paroxetine
Fluoxetine
Sertraline
SNRIs/Norepinephrine Neurotransmitters:
Trade Name
Cymbalta
Effexor
Ixel, Savella
Pristiq
Generic Name
Duloxetine
Venlafaxine
Milnacipran
Desvenlafaxine
Others:
Trade Name
Wellbutrin
Remeron
Older tricyclics
Generic Name
Buproprion (Dopamine Neurotransmiters)
Mirtazapine
Many
Since the introduction of Prozac in 1986
(over 27 years ago), there have been no new
categories of antidepressants.
And all of today’s medications are based on
mechanisms discovered by serendipity over
60 years ago
More and more pharmaceutical companies
are giving up.
Only a small handful of companies still have
active programs looking for new
antidepressant medications.
DEPRESSION TASK FORCE
In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force (DTF) –
an outstanding collaboration of leading neuroscience experts –
each of us scientific pioneers in our own right.
Thanks to your support, we have developed an unprecedented strategic
plan of depression research that integrates the most advanced knowledge
in genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology,
electrophysiology, and brain imaging,
and integrating studies in animals and humans.
To accelerate breakthrough research, we are sharing ongoing results in
real time at a new HDRF Data Center.
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Depression Task Force
Huda Akil, PhD
University of Michigan, DTF Chair
Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscientist, Neurogeneticist
Joshua Gordon, MD, PhD
Columbia University, NY State Psychiatric Institute &
NY Presbyterian Hospital
Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, Electrophysiologist
Rene Hen, PhD
Columbia University
Neuropharmacologist, Neurogeneticist
Helen Mayberg, MD
Emory University
Neurologist, Leader in Deep Brain Stimulation
Depression Task Force
Bruce McEwen, PhD
Rockefeller University
Neuroendocrinologist, Leading Neuroscientist in Stress
Research
Michael Meaney, PhD
Douglas Institute & McGill University
Neurologist, Epigeneticist, Neurogeneticist
Eric Nestler, MD, PhD
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Molecular Psychiatrist, Neurobiologist
THANK YOU
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO IMPLEMENT
THIS UNPRECEDENTED RESEARCH PLAN
TO FIND THE
• ORIGINS OF DEPRESSION
• MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS
• NEW MEDICATIONS
• OTHER NEW TREATMENTS
• AND PREVENTION
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