NRx Pharmaceuticals has announced that its subsidiary, HOPE Therapeutics, has initiated patient care using the Ampa "one day" protocol for treatment-resistant depression, marking the first deployment of its kind in Florida and among the first nationwide. The innovative treatment combines a single day of transcranial magnetic stimulation with physician-prescribed D-cycloserine and lisdexamfetamine, representing a significant departure from traditional TMS therapy that typically requires months of treatment.
Medical Director Dr. Rebecca Cohen, who is overseeing the implementation at HOPE clinics in Sarasota, Naples, and Fort Myers, stated that the results from peer-reviewed studies have shown remarkable outcomes. The protocol has demonstrated response rates of 87% and remission rates of 72% in nonrandomized trials, offering new hope for patients who have not responded to conventional depression treatments.
The expansion of this treatment protocol comes at a critical time when mental health services are increasingly in demand. Dr. Cohen emphasized that these results "have the potential to change the paradigm of TMS therapy" by shifting from extended treatment regimens to a rapid, one-day approach. This advancement could significantly impact care for millions of individuals battling depression and PTSD, potentially reducing the burden of long-term treatment protocols and improving access to effective care.
NRx Pharmaceuticals, the parent company, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics based on its NMDA platform for central nervous system disorders, including suicidal depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. The company's broader portfolio includes NRX-100, which has received Fast Track Designation for treating suicidal ideation in depression, and NRX-101, awarded Breakthrough Therapy Designation for suicidal bipolar depression. Additional information about the company's developments can be found at https://ibn.fm/QWuh3.
The implementation of this one-day protocol represents a significant advancement in mental health treatment technology. By condensing what was traditionally a months-long process into a single day, the treatment could dramatically improve patient compliance and reduce the overall burden of care. With six Florida locations expected to be operational by year-end, the expansion of this innovative approach signals a potential shift in how treatment-resistant depression is managed nationwide, offering new possibilities for patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options.
