Advances in Target Identification and Drug Development for Depression

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that is devastating to mental health. The high prevalence and multifactorial nature of causation pose significant challenges for developing effective treatment strategies. This review provides a first approach survey of the epidemiological nature of depression. It then attempts to delineate the interrelated biological, psychological, and environmental factors that stimulate its pathogenesis. Both traditional and new clinical and basic research therapeutic targets that are taking center stage today are highlighted. A review of the evolution of different antidepressant drugs targeting these molecular targets is provided. Emphasis is placed on current developments in Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling. A detailed study of representative compounds shows critical structure-activity relationships useful for designing effective drugs. We also consider some of the murine models of depression that are not particularly new, their applicability, and their limitations across various research environments. A particular barrier that is highlighted as an issue in the delivery of new antidepressant agents is the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). Creative methods of enhancing penetration of the central nervous system are also discussed. In general, this review provides a rational and prospective review of mechanistic literature and treatment innovation in non-depression studies.