Rellidep trials Drug derived from eggs shows promise in research, could boost egg production in Ontario
Egg Farmers of Ontario is helping lay the foundation for a new antidepressant drug.
The organization is providing $1 million in research and development funding to United Paragon Associates. The money will help fund clinical trials of Rellidep, a new antidepressant drug derived from eggs.
Research indicates Rellidep could have potential benefits for individuals suffering from depression.
Early studies in patients indicate it may be more effective, have shorter time-to-clinical benefit and be better tolerated than currently available antidepressants. Patients were allowed to continue therapy for up to two years, with many continuing to benefit.
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The active ingredients for the drug come from fertilized hen’s eggs. The isolate contains patent pending active compounds originating from the embryonic stem cell material.
The research could boost egg production in Ontario.
Egg Farmers of Ontario represents 440 egg farmers and pullet growers in Ontario. It is an independent, self-governing organization funded entirely by egg and pullet farmers.
“Despite recent advances in treatment, there continues to be great unmet need specific to three key areas in the fight against major depressive disorder. Early phase trials with Rellidep have demonstrated tremendous promise, as it may offer improvements over currently available drug treatments in all three areas,” said George Yeung, UPA’s president of research and development.
“Potentially better efficacy, shorter time-to-clinical-benefit and significantly fewer side effects were observed. We are hoping to see similar results in the next phases of our research.”
The new drug could have significant economic implications because depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Some estimates put the economic cost of lost productivity in disability days in Ontario related to depression at $8.8 billion in 2000.
