Stefano Comai, PhD

Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

  • 4Articles
  • 13.2KReads1
  • 2024–2025Active
  • 25Collaborators
  • 27Citations2

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About

Stefano Comai, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Padua, Italy, as well as the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University, Canada. Comai has published research focused on esmethadone (REL-1017) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), including studies on its efficacy, safety, and pharmacological classification. The work includes analyses from phase 3 randomized controlled trials and long-term open-label studies addressing antidepressant tachyphylaxis and inadequate response to standard treatments.

Publications

JCP
Esmethadone (REL-1017) in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Antidepressant Tachyphylaxis
Original Research

Esmethadone (REL-1017) in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Antidepressant Tachyphylaxis

October 6, 2025

Esmethadone may be a potentially safe and effective adjunctive treatment for patients with MDD and antidepressant tachyphylaxis.
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JCP
Reasons for Maintaining the Classification of Esmethadone as an Investigational Uncompetitive NMDAR Antagonist Rapid Antidepressant: Reply to Ferré and Michaelides
Letter to the Editor

Reasons for Maintaining the Classification of Esmethadone as an Investigational Uncompetitive NMDAR Antagonist Rapid Antidepressant: Reply to Ferré and Michaelides

September 8, 2025

The authors reply to Ferré and Michaelides’ letter commenting on their recent study of long-term esmethadone treatment in MDD.
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JCP
Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Esmethadone in MDD
Original Research

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Esmethadone in MDD

February 17, 2025

A durable improvement in MDD symptoms for up to 1 year was observed with esmethadone with high rates of response and remission.
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JCP
Esmethadone in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder and Inadequate Response to Standard Antidepressants
Original Research

Esmethadone in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder and Inadequate Response to Standard Antidepressants

June 17, 2024

Although this trial of esmethadone did not meet its primary outcome, some secondary and post hoc outcomes were promising.
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