Are any companies thinking outside the neurotransmitter?
Yes, to be more precise, they are thinking inside the neuron. The neurotransmitter operates outside the neuron, which is why medications directed at these targets are limited in effectiveness, with burdensome side effects. Inside the neuron are a host of chemical processes that suggest more inviting and precise targets. At the moment, these drugs are far over the horizon. Closer to fruition is the possibility of a drug that operates on the hormone CRF, which results in the stress hormone cortisol being secreted (which is thought to be complicit in depression). Several companies have a CRF drug in development. And way in the distant future is the possibility of drugs using gene technology.
