Brofaromine in panic disorder: a pilot study with a new reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-A

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Panic disorder is a debilitating anxiety disorder often co-occurring with depression.
• Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitors are a class of antidepressants.
• Brofaromine is a novel, reversible, and short-acting MAO-A inhibitor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of brofaromine in patients with panic disorder.
• To assess the safety and tolerability of brofaromine in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• An open-label trial involving 14 inpatients diagnosed with panic disorder.
• Patients received a one-week placebo treatment followed by four weeks of 150 mg/day brofaromine.
• Symptom improvement was assessed for both anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Main Results:

• All patients showed a distinct improvement in anxiety and depressive symptoms during brofaromine treatment.
• The efficacy of brofaromine was consistent in patients with and without a major depressive episode.
• No significant side effects were reported during the study.

Conclusions:

• Brofaromine demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy in treating panic disorder.
• The MAO-A inhibitor brofaromine is a well-tolerated option for anxiety disorder treatment.
• Further research into brofaromine for anxiety disorders is warranted.