GWAS signals were enriched in the gene targets of existing BD pharmacological agents, such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antiepileptics. However, enrichment was also found in the targets of calcium channel blockers used to treat hypertension and GABA-receptor targeting anesthetics (Supplementary Table 8). Calcium channel antagonists have long been investigated for the treatment of BD, without becoming an established therapeutic approach, and there is evidence that some antiepileptics have calcium channel-inhibiting effects79,80. These results underscore the opportunity for repurposing some classes of drugs, particularly calcium channel antagonists, as potential BD treatments81.
