The preclinical discovery and development of gepirone hydrochloride extended-release tablets: the first oral selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

INTRODUCTION

Despite advances in antidepressant development, many patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain inadequately treated. Gepirone, a selective 5-HT1A agonist without reuptake inhibition, offers a novel mechanism potentially improving efficacy and tolerability over selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and earlier agents.

AREAS COVERED: This case history describes gepirone's discovery and development, including its pharmacodynamic profile, preclinical data on pharmacology, mechanism of action, and effects on depressive-like behavior and anxiety, as well as early clinical findings on its safety and efficacy in major depressive disorder. The review draws on English peer-reviewed articles and trials (1983-2025) from major databases, including PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

EXPERT OPINION: Although gepirone ER was approved due to evidence supporting clinical efficacy and favorable tolerability in MDD, its antidepressant effect size is modest relative to other monoamine-based antidepressants. It may offer particular benefit for patients who experience anxiety-related adverse effects on standard antidepressants and may be particularly useful in anxious depression or patients prioritizing tolerability. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023, withdrawn in 2024, the product will relaunch in late 2025. Future research should assess head-to-head efficacy, pharmacoeconomics, real-world outcomes, and its potential role in treatment-resistant depression.