WASHINGTON: In a significant development, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the first-ever pill to treat postpartum depression (PPD). The drug, called zuranolone, represents a milestone in women’s healthcare as it offers an oral medication option for adults suffering from PPD. It is estimated that around half a million women in the US experience PPD each year.
Previously, treatment for postpartum depression was only available through intravenous injections administered by healthcare providers in specific facilities. The approval of zuranolone provides a much-needed alternative that can be taken orally over a short two-week period.
Dr. Asima Ahmad, the chief medical officer at Carrot Fertility, a healthcare company based in Menlo Park, California, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough. Approximately one in eight women experience PPD symptoms after giving birth, with 75 percent of those reporting symptoms going untreated. Among minority populations, such as Black and Hispanic women, the numbers are even higher, with 81 percent of Black women and 76 percent of Hispanic women expressing a desire to learn more about postpartum mental health before having children.
Pill Specifically Tailored for Postpartum Depression
The pill is specifically tailored for postpartum depression and has been shown to work faster than other antidepressants currently available. Additionally, it has demonstrated fewer and less severe side effects than other antidepressants, which can cause issues such as sudden loss of consciousness, weight gain, or sexual dysfunction.
Tiffany Farchione, head of psychiatry in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, emphasized the severity of postpartum depression and the need for effective treatment options. Women with PPD can experience feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, and in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child. Having access to an oral medication like zuranolone provides a beneficial option for these women who are dealing with extreme and potentially life-threatening emotions.
The newly approved pill will be marketed under the brand name Zurzuvae and was developed by Sage Therapeutics, based in Massachusetts. Unlike the only other drug previously approved for postpartum depression, brexanolone, which requires a 60-hour intravenous infusion in a hospital and costs $34,000, zuranolone offers a more accessible and convenient treatment option for women dealing with PPD.
As of now, the pricing details for zuranolone have not been announced. However, this approval marks a significant step forward in addressing postpartum depression and providing much-needed support to women during a vulnerable and critical period in their lives.
