On Tuesday, March 19, the FDA announced approval of (brand name) Zulresso, a first of it’s kind medication for Postpartum Depression.
Zulresso (generic name is brexanolone) was developed through clinical trials by pharmaceutical company, Sage Therapeutics. You can find more about the development and history of Zulresso HERE. The medication is potentially a game-changer for many women who experience postpartum depression and would benefit from this medication being part of the overall plan for treatment. Significant positive response to treatment was observed within hours during clinical trials for the medication.
Zulresso is approved as an injected (IV infusion) medication over a total of 60 hours. The FDA notes that the medication is approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to address concerns resulting from clinical trials that include excessive sedation and loss of consciousness.
Sage Therapeutics reports the medication will become available in June this year.
It is encouraging for women and families as well as medical providers to have a potential additional avenue as part of overall treatment for postpartum depression. A treatment that may possibly shorten the length of the illness.
