Glutamate Receptor Antagonists Market: Competitive Landscape, Pipeline, and Market Analysis 2023

The most common excitatory neurotransmitter secreted by brain nerve cells is glutamate. It is essential for memory and learning. Glutamate must be present in the appropriate amounts in the suitable locations at the correct times for the brain to work effectively. There have been various types of ionotropic glutamate receptors identified, including three major that are called NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors, and kainite receptors. These receptors are activated by agonists named NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate), AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate), and kainic acid. All of these glutamate receptors are nonselective cation channels that enable the passage of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions, and in some cases, small quantities of Ca²⁺. Glutamate receptor antagonists are a class of drugs acting on and blocking the glutamate receptors present in our body. These receptors’ malfunction results in mental disorders like Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others. There have been ongoing studies going on to cure the diseases caused due to suppression and/or overactivation of these receptors globally. Furthermore, robust data suggest that targeting Glutamate receptors in combination strategies is more successful in controlling the symptoms of these diseases. Therefore, the companies are focusing on launching new products to maintain growth in the market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 24 million people live with Schizophrenia globally. Therefore, there are many patients globally that are suffering from neurological disorders related to Glutamate Receptors. Several of these antagonists are in the market, while many are in ongoing clinical trials. 32 companies have various products in their pipelines, with 28 products in various stages of clinical trials. 9 products are in Phase 4, 8 products are in Phase 3 and Phase 2, and 3 products are in Phase 1 of the clinical trials.

Key Developments:

• In January 2023, LEQEMBI (lecanemab-irmb) received accelerated approval from the FDA for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease.
• In December 2022, Eisai Co., Ltd. and Yasuda Logistics agrees to transfer Eisao’s subsidiary Eisai Distribution to it.
• In August 19, 2022, Axsome Therapeutics’ product AUVELITY (1^st and the only rapidly acting oral medication-NMDA antagonist) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorders in adults.
• In May 2021, Seelos Therapeutics Inc. announced positive results from Part 1 of the study on SLS-002 (Intranasal Racemic Ketamine), showing a significant effect in Acute Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour in patients with Major Depressive Disorders.

Approved Drugs

• Botox (Ornabotulinumtoxin A)
• Qsymia (Topiramate/Phentermine)
• Medytoxin (Botulinum toxin Type A)
• Evosyal (Probotullinumtoxin A)
• Campral EC (Acamprosate delayed release)
• Myobloc (Rimabotulinumtoxin A)

Drugs in Pipeline

• Botulax – Phase 3
• QM1114 – Phase 3
• Innotox – Phase 3
• MBA-P01 – Phase 3
• Coretox – Phase 3
• Liztox – Phase 3
• Eutox – Phase 3
• HG-102 – Phase 3
• ET-01 – Phase 2
• SNC-102 – Phase 2
• Exservan – Phase 2
• PXT-664 – Phase 2
• IPN10200 – Phase 2
• ATGC110 – Phase 2
• IPN59011 – Phase 2
• Teglutik – Phase 2
• AI-09 – Phase 2
• AZD2516 - Phase 1
• CKDB-501B – Phase 1
• ACR 325 – Phase 1

Clinical Activity and Developments of Glutamate Receptor Antagonists

Companies have their products in the pipeline in various phases of clinical trials with approximately 28 products for above 540 diseases.

• In May 2023, Field Trip Health conducted a Phase 4 trial to evaluate the Effectiveness of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in adult patients coping with mental health. The study showed positive results within the clinical trial settings
• In December 2021, Viatris Inc. completed a Phase 4 trial to evaluate the abuse potential of NEURONTIN in healthy, non-dependent, recreational opioid users.
• In January 2021, Algemon Pharmaceuticals completed a Phase 3 trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NP-120 (ifenprodil) for the treatment of patients with COVID-