All available antidepressants act through monoaminergic mechanisms, and there is considerable interest in novel approaches that might improve treatment. One such strategy focuses on melatonin, a key regulator of circadian rhythms, which are perturbed in depression. This article describes the history of agomelatine, which possesses both melatonergic agonist and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C antagonist properties. It was granted marketing authorization in Europe in 2009, thereby becoming the first approved antidepressant to incorporate a non-monoaminergic mechanism of action.
- Christian de Bodinat
- Béatrice Guardiola-Lemaitre
- Mark J. Millan
