Vortioxetine (Lu-AA-21004; 1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulfanyl)phenyl]piperazine 
hydrobromide) is a novel orally active molecule that is being investigated by 
Lundbeck and Takeda for the treatment of major depression and generalized 
anxiety disorders. Vortioxetine has a unique "multi-modal" mechanism of action. 
It inhibits the activity of serotonin transporters and is an agonist of 
serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, partial agonist of 5-HT1B and antagonist of 5-HT3A, 
5-HT7 and 5-HT1D receptors. Vortioxetine has been effective in various animal 
models of depression and anxiety and clinical studies have shown the 
antidepressant and antianxiety properties of vortioxetine in a dose range of 
5-20 mg/day. Vortioxetine reverses cognitive decline in patients with depression 
making it a unique molecule. The molecule lacks any serious side effects and 
drug-drug interactions. However, dose adjustments are required if vortioxetine 
is co-administered with rifampicin or bupropion. The molecule is under review by 
various regulatory agencies around the world for the treatment of major 
depression.