Development of CRF1 receptor antagonists as antidepressants and anxiolytics: progress to date

Depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent forms of mental illness that are considered to be stress-related disorders because some form of stressful life event often triggers their symptoms. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a 41-amino-acid neuropeptide involved in mediating neuroendocrine, autonomic and behavioural responses to stress, and clinical studies provide evidence for the role of CRF in the development of depression and anxiety disorders. Two CRF receptor subtypes have been identified to date - the CRF(1) receptor and the CRF(2) receptor. Preclinical models provide evidence of a role for CRF(1) receptors in the activation of the stress response. Data from these experiments suggest that antagonism of CRF(1) receptor activity may provide an effective pharmacological treatment for stress-related psychiatric disorders. This review highlights progress to date with the development of CRF(1) receptor antagonists as potential pharmacotherapies for depression and anxiety disorders. Although additional research is needed to fully investigate the efficacy and safety profiles of CRF(1) receptor antagonists as candidate medications for these disorders, the results of preclinical experiments and clinical trials are encouraging. Further development of these compounds is warranted.