ECNP 2021 Highlights Podcast

In this episode (20:56 min), Medicom’s correspondent covers 6 presentations from the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP 2021), held virtually 2–5 October 2021.

The topics discussed are:  

1. Zuranolone reduces symptoms of major depression

Results from the pivotal WATERFALL study of zuranolone in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms after 15 days. Zuranolone is a novel, oral, neuroactive steroid and GABA_A-receptor positive allosteric modulator.

2. About a quarter of people drank more during the COVID-19 lockdown

An online survey among the Dutch population to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on alcohol consumption reveals that roughly a quarter of participants drank less than before the lockdown, half did not alter their intake, whereas a quarter drank more alcohol.

3. Vortioxetine effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety

In patients with severe comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) and comorbid generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), 8 weeks of treatment with vortioxetine in the RECONNECT study resulted in clinically and significantly reduced symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Additionally, overall functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) broadly improved.

4.  Roluperidone improves negative symptoms in schizophrenia

An approved drug to specifically treat primary negative symptoms in schizophrenia is still lacking. Roluperidone monotherapy can improve primary negative symptoms and stabilise or even improve other symptoms in schizophrenia. This was the conclusion of a confirmatory trial.

5. Cannabidiol for cannabis cessation shows positive results

In the first randomised clinical trial of cannabidiol (CBD) for cannabis use disorder, CBD 400 mg and 800 mg were safe and more efficacious than placebo at reducing cannabis use. CBD also showed some potential for reducing anxiety, depression, cannabis withdrawal symptoms, and tobacco use. The results show that CBD has the potential to address a substantial unmet clinical need.

6. Connecting, challenging, and empowering youth through their smartphone

Grow It! is a multiplayer serious gaming app for adolescents of 12-25 years that was developed in The Netherlands. Results of a study carried out during two lockdowns in 2020 indicate the potential efficacy of an eHealth intervention on everyday well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, with about 70% of participants slightly improving their daily mood while using the Grow It! App.

Enjoy listening!

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Posted on 20 October, 202127 March, 2024