This could be a game changer for new mothers around the globe. We may be just months away from having the first pill to help treat postpartum depression (PPD).
Zuranolone, the new drug, was developed by two Massachusetts companies, Sage Therapeutics, and Biogen.
The FCA has given the drub’s application a priority review and the period of testing ends at the beginning of August 2023.
Today, this is just one drug being given for PPD and it is only available through a 60-hour, one-time infusion and can cost up to $35,000 per treatment.
If this new medication is approved, it may also be effective to treat the major depressive disorder (MDD).
This new drug is fast-acting, “We feel a tremendous responsibility to patients with MDD and PPD to deliver a potential new treatment option, which is so desperately needed. Most current approved therapies may take weeks or months to work. We are committed to advancing treatments that could help physicians and patients by addressing depression symptoms quickly,” said Dr. Laura Gault, chief medical officer at Sage Therapeutics Inc.
According to one study by the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, Zuranolone causes full remission of clinical depression within 45 days in 53% of women versus 30% who received the placebo.
500,000 women suffer from PPD every year. What may first seem like the new baby blues can linger and intensify leading to an overwhelming loss of energy, irritability, inability to concentrate or make decisions, and thoughts of harming themselves or their babies.
Zuranolone could also provide relief for people dealing with MDD. There were over 14 million Americans who were diagnosed with MMD in 2020. They experience a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Some studies indicate that up to 89% of all suicides are tied to MMD.
This pill could be a worldwide game changer.
FDA works with @SageBiotech to develop treatment plan for postpartum #depression & major depressive disorder. The company has identified 3 potential pathways that could support a filing for zuranolone. Read more at https://t.co/FmxDGWMNi1 @miranabulsi123#postpartum #drug pic.twitter.com/g3XuHu0W7E
— Xtalks Webinars (@Xtalks) March 24, 2020
