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Suicide Prevention

Clinical and Neuroimaging Trial of Uridine: A Rapid Treatment for Veterans with Suicidal Ideation via Shared Mechanisms with Ketamine and Lithium


by Douglas Kondo, MD ; Perry Renshaw, MD, PhD
Seminar date: 7/9/2018

Description: Uridine is a novel treatment for suicidal ideation that is undergoing testing in the FDA’s Investigational New Drug (IND) program, at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center. Uridine shares a range of brain mechanisms with two other drugs believed to possess anti-suicidal effects: ketamine and lithium. However, uridine is a natural compound and, thus far, in human studies has shown none of the toxicity and side effects associated with ketamine and lithium. The rationale for the current VA study, and the neuroimaging evidence suggesting that uridine achieves “target engagement” with brain chemistry relevant to suicide, will be discussed. Intended audience: employees, clinicians, researchers, and others interested in novel, natural treatments aimed at suicide prevention within the VHA.



DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript


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