SAL0114: a novel deuterated dextromethorphan-bupropion combination with improved antidepressant efficacy and safety profile.
Frontiers in pharmacology January 1, 2024 Ying Xiao, Xuefeng Hu, Wei Xing et al. 1 citation
A novel formulation combining deuterated dextromethorphan (SAL0114) with bupropion showed twice the metabolic stability of standard dextromethorphan in both laboratory and mouse tests, and bupropion further increased its exposure by 2.4 times. The combination demonstrated superior antidepressant and synergistic effects in mouse and rat models compared with the non-deuterated dextromethorphan-bupropion combination, while maintaining the same in vitro activity. Deuteration did not alter the compound's activity but improved its stability, potentially reducing neurologic side effects from metabolites and allowing lower bupropion doses. Clinical studies are needed to confirm these preclinical findings.