 | Research: New drug acts as marijuana in the brain |
 MONTREAL, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- A McGill University study suggests a new
anti-depressant drug works by raising levels of endocannabinoids -- similar
to a substance found in marijuana.
The study suggests the new drug, called URB597, might represent a safer
alternative to use of marijuana for treatment of pain and depression, and
open the door to new and improved treatments for clinical depression.
In pre-clinical laboratory tests researchers found URB597 increased the
production of endocannabinoids by blocking their degradation, resulting in
measurable antidepressant effects.
"This is the first time it has been shown a drug that increases
endocannabinoids in the brain can improve your mood," said lead investigator
Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, a researcher at Montreal and McGill Universities.
The researchers, including scientists from the University of
California-Irvine, were able to measure serotonin and noradrenaline activity
as a result of the increased endocannabinoids.
"The results were similar to the effect we might expect from the use of
commonly prescribed antidepressants, which are effective on only around 30
percent of the population," said Gobbi. "Our discovery strengthens the case
for URB597 as a safer, non-addictive, non-psychotropic alternative to
cannabis for the treatment of pain and depression."
© Copyright 2005 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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