Another benefit of RU-486

Abortion drug could rapidly treat depression.

Most antidepressants are thought to work by raising levels of the signalling chemical serotonin, which acts in the brain. But these drugs can take several weeks to take effect. The new treatments could be effective within days or even hours.

As an alternative to existing antidepressants, Lucassen and his team were keen to find ways to halt the stress response directly. Using a high dose of RU486, which blocks the stress hormone receptors, they were able to maintain normal neuron counts in rats. “It points to a rescue effect on survival of these cells,” says Lucassen.

The drug is already used for severe psychotic depression, and is licensed for use to treat several conditions, including Cushing's disease, and to induce abortion because it also acts on progesterone receptors. Pro-life activists have long campaigned for its withdrawal, and its use for routine depression treatment would undoubtedly be controversial.