Patients Dosed with Xanamem in New London-Based Trial to Treat Brain Fog in Depression
Xanamem, a drug which prevents the excess production of cortisol, is being evaluated as a treatment for people diagnosed with brain fog, as a result of depression.
The new trial conducted by Clerkenwell Health and Actinogen Medical is a vote of confidence in the UK’s global-leading framework for clinical trials.
London, November 2023 – A new trial conducted by UK start-up Clerkenwell Health and Australian biotechnology company Actinogen Medical, has launched in London to test whether Xanamem, combined with therapy, could be an effective treatment for ‘brain fog’ in depression.
The clinical trial, which is being conducted at Clerkenwell Health’s purpose-built facility near Harley Street in London, will see patients with symptoms of brain fog in depression – characterised by an inability to focus on tasks, forgetfulness and feelings of being mentally blocked - dosed with Xanamem to prevent the excess production of cortisol which is associated with depression severity and overall cognitive functioning.
As a global leader in revolutionary neurotherapeutics, Actinogen Medical’s decision to conduct a complex clinical trial in the UK is a vote of confidence in the UK’s framework for clinical trials, underlining the domestic regulatory environment as competitive on a global scale.
The trial marks Clerkenwell Health’s first non-psychedelic study, with the start-up having previously recruited for trials to treat PTSD and alcohol use disorder with methylone and psilocybin-based drugs respectively.
Dr Henry Fisher, Chief Scientific Officer at Clerkenwell Health, said:
“Brain fog is a common symptom of depression, and with more than eight million people in England on anti-depressants, it’s clear that the current system for treating symptoms of depressive disorders isn’t working.”
“This has not only resulted in patients experiencing debilitating side-effects, but has also caused huge waiting lists, high relapse rates and costly and complicated treatments.
“By conducting these clinical trials in partnership with a world-leading biotechnology firm, we aim to contribute to growing research which supports the development of the next generation treatments for depressive disorders.”
Clerkenwell Health are looking for patients aged between 18-65 with a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder to take part in the trials. Patients will have tried at least one treatment unsuccessfully – either psychotherapy or a pharmacological treatment – and not currently be on any active treatments.