Depression

Advancing groundbreaking therapies to tackle the challenges of neurodegenerative and rare conditions.

What is Depression?

Depression is a common yet serious mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. It goes beyond temporary sadness, often disrupting an individual’s ability to function and diminishing their overall quality of life.

On a Deeper Level

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It often includes physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and disrupted sleep patterns. Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are thought to play a key role in the condition. This disorder affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While depression is treatable, many individuals do not seek or receive adequate help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or access to care. Without intervention, depression can have profound effects on an individual’s physical health, relationships, and ability to work or study.

Signs & Symptoms

Depression manifests in a variety of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, including:

Persistent sadness or emptiness: Feeling down or hopeless most of the time.
Loss of interest: A lack of enjoyment in activities once found pleasurable.
Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Fatigue or low energy: Feeling tired despite adequate rest.
Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing, remembering details, or making decisions.
Physical symptoms: Headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain without a clear cause.
Thoughts of self-harm: Suicidal thoughts or behaviors in severe cases.

Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but they significantly impact daily functioning.

How many are affected by this condition?

Prevalence

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting more than 264 million people globally. In the United States, approximately 21 million adults experience at least one major depressive episode each year. Depression is more prevalent in women than men, and it frequently co-occurs with other health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and chronic illnesses.

Insights and Data

Depression affects 1 in 5 adults during their lifetime, with a higher prevalence among women (World Health Organization, 2024).
Suicide, often linked to untreated depression, is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29 (National Institute of Mental Health, 2024).
Untreated depression increases the risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

Our Approach

Our approach to treating depression focuses on targeting SIGMAR1 to restore cellular homeostasis and alleviate the neurobiological factors contributing to the condition. By regulating stress responses, enhancing neuroplasticity, and improving neurotransmitter signaling, our therapies aim to provide long-lasting relief from depressive symptoms. Anavex’s strategy emphasizes early and effective intervention to reduce the impact of depression on individuals and society as a whole.

Clinical Progress

Anavex is currently exploring the role of sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) activation in the treatment of depression. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that SIGMAR1 modulators can reduce neuroinflammation and restore neurotransmitter balance, offering a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. These findings pave the way for potential clinical trials to develop treatments that address the root causes of depression.

PRECLINICAL

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

ANAVEX® 1-41

A preclinical-stage compound for central nervous system disorders.

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