Affectis has identified a novel target, codenamed AF-08, for the potential treatment of depression. AFC-08 is a membrane protein that is involved in cell differentiation and neuronal plasticity. The company has demonstrated that inhibition of AFC-08 has antidepressant-like effects in animal models.
Affectis is developing a monoclonal antibody targeting AF-08. Small amounts of antibodies can reach the brain where they exhibit a very long half-life. Therefore, an AFC-08 antibody could have long-term antidepressant effects and also potential for prophylactic treatment and relapse prevention.
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