Policy Developments - The National Medical Insurance Administration has initiated a pilot program for intelligent review of the entire process of medical insurance management, aiming to enhance the review capabilities and ensure the sustainable operation of medical insurance funds through the integration of AI technology [2]. Industry Developments - Chongqing has introduced measures to support high-quality development of innovative drugs, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in drug innovation and the establishment of a public service platform for "AI + pharmaceuticals" [3][4]. - Shanghai Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for its clopidogrel tablets, which are expected to generate approximately $1.284 billion in sales in the U.S. market in 2024, marking a significant opportunity for the company to expand its overseas market presence [6]. - NuoVation has obtained two medical device registration certificates for adenovirus antigen test kits, which are classified as Class III medical devices, indicating a step forward in the company's product offerings [7]. - Renfu Pharmaceutical has received approval for clinical trials of its HWH217 tablets, aimed at treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, with a total R&D investment of approximately 6 million yuan [8]. Capital Market - Pulsecare has successfully completed a financing round of over 100 million yuan, indicating strong investor interest in cardiovascular treatment technologies [10]. - Sunshine Nuohua has completed a share purchase plan by its associated company, acquiring 612,638 shares, which represents 0.55% of the total share capital, with an investment exceeding 28 million yuan [11]. Major Industry Events - The first batch of ovarian cancer treatment drugs has cleared customs in Beijing, marking a significant step in ensuring nationwide supply for this new treatment [13]. - Research from the Beijing Brain Science and Brain-like Research Institute has identified a new mechanism for treating depression, which could lead to the development of new antidepressant strategies with fewer side effects [14]. Regulatory Updates - Asia-Pacific Pharmaceutical has received a notification that its application for the consistency evaluation of diltiazem hydrochloride tablets has been rejected due to insufficient evidence supporting bioequivalence, indicating challenges in the drug development process [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant breakthrough in understanding the treatment mechanisms of resistant depression, revealing a common neurobiological mechanism behind ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) that could lead to safer and more effective treatments [3][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - A recent study published in Nature identified that both ketamine and ECT treatments for resistant depression significantly increase adenosine levels in key brain areas [4][5]. - The research indicates that adenosine signaling is the core pathway driving the rapid antidepressant effects of both therapies, challenging the traditional focus on NMDA receptor inhibition [5][6]. - Approximately one-third of depression patients are classified as having resistant depression, which does not respond well to conventional treatments [5][6]. Group 2: Implications for Treatment - The study's findings suggest that understanding the adenosine pathway could help decouple the efficacy of treatments from their side effects, which include potential addiction and cognitive impairments [5][6]. - The research team has developed a new ketamine derivative that shows superior antidepressant effects at lower doses with reduced side effects, indicating strong clinical translation potential [7]. - A novel non-drug therapy called acute intermittent hypoxia (aIH) has been identified, which effectively activates the brain's adenosine signaling and demonstrates promising antidepressant effects [8]. Group 3: Future Directions - The research team is collaborating with clinical teams to advance clinical trials for the aIH therapy, aiming to explore its potential as a core component of combined treatment strategies [8]. - The ongoing development of drug screening platforms based on the adenosine pathway is expected to deepen the understanding and application of new therapeutic options for resistant depression [8].

Core Insights - The research reveals a common neurobiological mechanism behind the antidepressant effects of ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant depression, highlighting the role of adenosine signaling [1][2][3] Group 1: Treatment Landscape - Depression affects nearly 100 million people in China, with about one-third of patients being treatment-resistant [1][2] - Ketamine and ECT are currently the two main effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, but both have significant side effects [2][3] - The study aims to decouple the efficacy of these treatments from their adverse effects by understanding their underlying mechanisms [2][4] Group 2: Research Findings - The research team utilized genetically encoded fluorescent probes to demonstrate that both ketamine and ECT lead to a significant and sustained increase in adenosine levels in key brain regions [2][3] - The study found that the activation of the adenosine pathway by ketamine occurs through the regulation of cellular energy metabolism, rather than the previously believed NMDA receptor pathway [3][4] - Evidence shows that blocking adenosine signaling negates the antidepressant effects of both treatments, while directly activating this pathway produces clear antidepressant effects [2][3] Group 3: Development of New Therapies - The research team has successfully designed a new ketamine derivative that achieves superior antidepressant effects at lower doses with reduced side effects, indicating strong clinical translation potential [4] - A novel non-drug therapy called acute intermittent hypoxia (aIH) has been developed, which effectively activates the brain's adenosine signaling and shows promise as a safe, non-invasive treatment option [5] - The team is collaborating with clinical teams to advance clinical trials for the aIH therapy, aiming to enhance treatment durability and reduce tolerance issues [5]