Carlos A. Zarate, Jr.: Using clinical translational neuroscience to develop the next generation of antidepressant treatments that act more rapidly and effectively

Carlos A. Zarate, Jr., MD, spearheads transformative research in psychiatry and neuroscience. As a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Distinguished Investigator, he leads the Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch and the Section on the Neurobiology and Treatment of Mood Disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). His additional role as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University underscores his commitment to research and education. Dr. Zarate's pioneering work focuses on decoding the pathophysiology of treatment-resistant mood disorders and suicide while developing novel therapeutics that are reshaping approaches to patient care. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques from neuropsychopharmacology, electrophysiology, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, and genomics to forge new pathways in treating mood disorders. Perhaps most notably, Dr. Zarate's team has been instrumental in demonstrating that ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, can produce rapid and long-lasting antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects. This discovery has catalyzed a paradigm shift in psychiatry, proving that antidepressant response within hours, not weeks, is achievable. Dr. Zarate's innovative approach extends beyond the lab. He employs a bi-directional translational strategy, seamlessly integrating clinical, behavioral, and imaging technologies with basic science collaborations. This holistic method has led to numerous breakthroughs in mood disorders research, addressing critical issues such as the speed and efficacy of current treatments. His exceptional contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including election to the National Academy of Medicine in 2020. These honors recognize his research excellence, his innovative spirit, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists. We are privileged to feature Dr. Zarate in this Genomic Press interview. His insights promise to offer our readers a glimpse into the cutting edge of psychiatry and the tangible hope his work brings to millions suffering from mood disorders.