The drug regulatory authorities of the UAE are all set to launch the “breakthrough” medication, known as Esketamine, by early 2020 for the treatment of depression. The drug is one of the first ‘fast-acting’ medications that has been found to improve the mental health of a patient within 24 hours of administration as a single puff. The traditional antidepressants act by stimulating serotonin in the brain. Esketamine targets the glutamate pathway in the brain.
The medication works within four hours of administration and needs to be taken two to three times a week. Several physicians believe that the drug is likely to benefit patients who have not responded well to other conventional antidepressants. Furthermore, the medication will solve the issue of non-compliance that is commonly seen with oral antidepressants. The drug had been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March…
