Core Viewpoint - The company has received approval for clinical trials of NS-041 tablets for the treatment of depression, expanding its application beyond epilepsy, making it the only KCNQ2/3 targeted drug in China approved for both conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Approval - The National Medical Products Administration has granted approval for NS-041 tablets to conduct clinical trials for the new indication of "treatment of depression" [1]. - NS-041 tablets are a novel high-selectivity KCNQ2/3 agonist aimed at treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, specifically epilepsy and depression [1]. Group 2: Clinical Research Findings - Preclinical studies indicate that KCNQ2/3 channel activators can modulate the excitability of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, thereby improving symptoms of depression [2]. - In preclinical research, NS-041 tablets demonstrated significant antidepressant effects in both acute and chronic depression models in mice, with higher target selectivity compared to other investigational drugs [2]. Group 3: Licensing and Rights - NS-041 tablets were introduced through a licensing agreement signed in 2024 between the company and Neurona Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., granting the company exclusive rights to the drug in Greater China [2].
健康元(600380.SH):NS-041片获得药物临床试验批准通知书