• Rapastinel affects NMDA receptors in the brain.

• It acts as a partial agonist at the glycine site of NMDA receptors.

• NMDA receptors are important for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
• Rapastinel enhances NMDA receptor activity and the release of neurotransmitters.
• This increased activation may improve synaptic function and communication
between brain cells.
• Rapastinel's mechanism is different from traditional antidepressants like SSRIs.
• It's being researched for its potential to rapidly alleviate depression symptoms and
improve mood.
• More research is needed to understand its effects and safety fully.

• Partial Agonist: The term "partial" means that rapastinel doesn't fully activate the
NMDA receptor like some other compounds might. It's like pressing a light switch
halfway – the light is on, but not as bright as when you turn it all the way.
• Glycine Site: The NMDA receptor has a specific part called the glycine site, and this
is where rapastinel attaches or binds.
• Carbon (C): ~70 pm
• Hydrogen (H): ~25 pm
• Nitrogen (N): ~65 pm
• Oxygen (O): ~60 pm
Covalent bond = 8

Rapastinel is different from traditional antidepressants like SSRIs in several key ways:

• Mechanism: Rapastinel acts on NMDA receptors, which are involved in synaptic

plasticity and mood regulation. SSRIs, on the other hand, primarily affect serotonin
levels in the brain.
• Speed of Action: Rapastinel is believed to work more rapidly, potentially alleviating
depression symptoms quicker than SSRIs, which may take weeks to show effects.
• Mode of Administration: Rapastinel is typically administered as an intravenous
infusion, while SSRIs are often taken orally in the form of pills or capsules.
• Side Effects: The side effect profiles of rapastinel and SSRIs may differ, with
rapastinel potentially having a unique set of side effects due to its distinct
mechanism of action.
• Research Stage: As of my last update in January 2022, rapastinel was still
undergoing research and clinical trials, while SSRIs are widely used and approved
for treating depression.
• Target Population: Rapastinel may be explored for use in treatment-resistant
depression, where SSRIs have shown limited effectiveness.
In summary, the key differences lie in their mechanisms of action, speed of action, method
of administration, and stages of research and development. Rapastinel's unique approach
to modulating NMDA receptors sets it apart from the more established SSRIs. Please
consult with a healthcare professional for the latest information and considerations
regarding these treatments.

Formula C18H31N5O6

Molar mass 413.475 g·mol−1