orvepitant

Orvepitant is a potent and selective small molecule antagonist of the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor, which is the primary receptor for the neuropeptide substance P. Substance P is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and is a key mediator in the transmission of pain, itch, and inflammatory signals, as well as the regulation of the cough reflex and mood. Originally discovered and developed by GSK, orvepitant was later licensed to NeRRe Therapeutics. The drug has been clinically evaluated for several indications where substance P signaling is implicated, including major depressive disorder, chronic pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (the HYDRA study), and refractory chronic cough (the VOLCANO studies). While it showed promise in modulating the neuronal pathways of itch and cough, development in psychiatric indications was discontinued by the original sponsor.

Brand names

orvepitant

Other names

orvepitant maleate