Modified Ketamine Derivatives for Long-Acting Low-Addiction Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ketamine derivatives, such as (2R,6R;2S,6S)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), have a short efficacy duration of less than one week and pose a risk of addiction, limiting their effectiveness in long-term treatment of depression and other conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modified ketamine derivative, represented by Formula III, with specific substituents and configurations, is developed to extend efficacy beyond one week and reduce addiction, with compounds like Formula IV and Formula V being preferred.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If traditional ketamine derivatives like HNK are used for treatment, then antidepressant and analgesic effects are achieved, but the efficacy duration is short (less than one week) and addiction risk is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficacy durationVSAvoidaddiction risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying the chemical structure of ketamine derivatives through varying substituents (R1-R6 groups) at different positions on the molecular framework. This structural parameter optimization extends the efficacy duration from less than one week to more than one week while simultaneously reducing addiction risk by 2-20 times compared to traditional HNK compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite molecular structures by combining the core ketamine derivative framework with various functional substituent groups (hydroxyl, amino, alkyl, aryl, heterocyclic groups). These composite structures achieve synergistic effects where the base structure provides the core pharmacological activity while the substituents modulate duration and addiction properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If ketamine is used for anesthesia and analgesia, then strong analgesic effect and rapid induction are achieved, but psychiatric side effects and cognitive impairment occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction speedVSAvoidpsychiatric side effects
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific substituent groups at particular positions on the ketamine derivative molecule. These localized structural modifications target specific receptor interactions to enhance analgesic and anesthetic effects while minimizing activation of pathways that cause psychiatric side effects and cognitive impairment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Through systematic variation of substituent parameters (type, position, and configuration), the patent optimizes the balance between rapid induction/strong analgesia and reduction of harmful psychiatric effects, achieving a more favorable side effect profile while maintaining clinical efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4186889B1Long-acting and low-addiction compound and preparation method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SHENZHEN RUIJIAN BIOSCI TECH LTD
  • EP4186889B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4186889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to a compound having the effects of being an antidepressant, anesthetizing, alleviating pain, improving cognitive functions, protecting lungs, preventing or treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or preventing or treating complex regional pain syndrome. Compared with existing known HNK compounds, the compound provided in the present application has a longer drug efficacy period. Moreover the compound provided in the present application basically does not produce addiction.