SR 58611A: SR 58611.

SR 58611A [SR 58611], a highly selective agonist for atypical beta3-adrenoceptors, inhibits intestinal motility. This (phenylethanol) aminotetraline sympathomimetic was originated by Sanofi as a potential treatment for irritable bowel syndrome but is now in development for depression. SR 58611A is currently in phase III trials for depression in France. A phase IIa trial of SR 58611A in patients with severe recurrent depression showed it to be superior to fluoxetine and well tolerated, while a phase IIb trial demonstrated comparable efficacy and tolerability to paroxetine. SR 58611A was in phase II clinical trials in France for irritable bowel syndrome but there is no record of active development of SR 58611A for this indication. SR 58611A had also been in phase IIa for the treatment of obesity but no recent development has been reported for this indication. SR 58878 is the acid metabolite of SR 58611A.