Agomelatine: a new treatment for depression

It is estimated that depression carries the greatest burden of disability in established economies. A range of treatments are available, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressant. In this article, the author discusses agomelatine, a novel antidepressant recently licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), the evidence for its use, and its potential place in therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.