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Peer-reviewed article

The role of cytochrome P450 polymorphisms in the pharmacokinetics of oral esketamine.

Coerts DTiD, Smith-Apeldoorn SY, Oude Nijhuis JC, van Schaik RHNiD, Tamminga WJ, Touw DJiD, Veraart JKEiD, Schoevers RAiD, van Dalfsen JHiD

The pharmacogenomics journalApr 24, 2026Netherlands0 citationsDOI: 10.1038/s41397-026-00405-5

Abstract

Oral esketamine displays therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression. However, treatment is complicated by a low and variable bioavailability. Genetic polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes responsible for esketamine's metabolism may influence bioavailability. In a subsample of patients included in a placebo-controlled trial investigating repeated, low dose oral esketamine (N = 18), blood samples were collected four hours after dosing. CYP2B6 516 G > T, CYP3A4*22, and CYP3A5*3 genotyping was performed, and the plasma levels of esketamine and its metabolites were measured. CYP2B6 516 G > T carriers (Mdn = 5.1 µg/L) demonstrated higher esketamine plasma levels compared to non-carriers (Mdn = 2.1 µg/L) (U = 45.00, p = 0.032). No significant associations were observed for CYP3A4*22 carriership (n = 2) or CYP3A5*3 heterozygosity (n = 2), nor for esketamine's metabolites. In summary, CYP2B6 516 G > T is associated with higher esketamine plasma concentrations. Further research with more participants is warranted to draw conclusions about CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A5*3. Clinical trial registration: NTR6161 (Dutch Trial Register).

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KetamineDepression

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