Nectid, a drug discovery company, has initiated clinical development of agomelatine for autism and pain indications in the US.
Agomelatine, a melatonergic agonist (MT1 and MT2 receptors) and 5-HT2C antagonist, is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder in Europe, Australia and in other countries.
Nectid founder/CEO Ram Sesha said in the proof of concept studies, Agomelatine was found effective in reducing neuropathic pain, pain from fibromyalgia, and in improving sleep issues and day time behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
"The data, to be released soon, was found be statistically significant in all three cases. Nectid plans to develop these projects through FDA approval while in licensing discussion with multiple interested parties," Sesha added.
Agomelatine has been reported to resynchronise circadian rhythms, which is believed to be involved in several disorders such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and in multiple sclerosis, to restore sleep cycle.
