The purpose of this clinical trial program is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new, once-daily, oral medication for depression. This investigational medication is called agomelatine. This investigational new drug targets both melatonergic receptors and the serotonin (5-HT2c) receptor. The initial clinical program will include more than 2,000 patients between the ages of 18 and 70 and there are 200 study sites,  including UNC.

MDD is the most common mood disorder, affecting approximately 15 million American adults. Common symptoms include: depressed mood, loss of interest in daily activities, poor concentration, weight loss (or gain), decrease of appetite, sleep disturbance, feelings of worthlessness and/or of guilt, and suicidal ideation. Episodes of depression may be chronic and recurrent.