deuterated norketamine

Deuterated norketamine is a small molecule NMDA receptor modulator being developed by Amorsa Therapeutics. It is a deuterated analog of norketamine, which is the primary active metabolite of the anesthetic and antidepressant ketamine. By incorporating deuterium into the norketamine molecule, the drug leverages the kinetic isotope effect to slow metabolic degradation, thereby extending its half-life and improving its suitability for oral administration. This modification is intended to maintain the rapid-acting antidepressant and analgesic properties of ketamine while potentially reducing dissociative side effects and providing a more convenient dosing regimen. The compound is being investigated for several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and moderate-to-severe pain.

Other names

d-norketaminedeuterated (R,S)-norketaminedeuterated desmethylketamine