Brofaromine is a reversible and selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A. Available preclinical and clinical data indicate that brofaromine is an effective and well tolerated treatment for major depression and anxiety disorders. Despite these encouraging findings, the manufacturer (CIBA) terminated the development of this compound in 1993. The main reason for this termination has been problems with resources associated with the necessity to perform further placebocontrolled trials. The brofaromine story illustrates the complex, and often frustrating, nature of drug development.