tcsc0740 Agomelatine

Agomelatine is a competitive antagonist of human and porcine serotonin (5-HT2C) receptors (pKi = 6.2 and 6.4, respectively) as well as human 5-HT2B receptors (pKi = 6.6).

IC50 value: 6.2 (pKi, 5-HT2c); 6.6 (pKi, 5-HT2b)

Target: 5-HT2C Receptor; 5-HT2B receptor

It is classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine disinhibitor (NDDI) due to its antagonism of the 5-HT2C receptor. Activation of 5-HT2C receptors by serotonin inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine release. Antagonism of 5-HT2C results in an enhancement of DA and NE release and activity of frontocortical dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways. Agomelatine is also a potent agonist at melatonin receptors which makes it the first melatonergic antidepressant. Agomelatine is an antidepressant drug.