Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc. have announced the availability of ZURZUVAE™ (zuranolone) by prescription in the United States for treating postpartum depression (PPD). ZURZUVAE, a 14-day oral treatment, has been shown to provide rapid improvements in depressive symptoms, with some patients experiencing relief by Day 15 and as early as Day 3. This makes it the first and only medication of its kind for PPD that can be administered in such a short treatment window.
Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis, who was involved in the clinical development program for ZURZUVAE, emphasized the importance of expedient improvement in symptoms for women with PPD. She hopes this milestone will encourage broader changes in the approach to PPD, such as improved screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
The companies are keen to facilitate access to ZURZUVAE and are engaging with payors to ensure broad and fair availability to the treatment. In the interim, as insurance coverage is established, Sage and Biogen have introduced ZURZUVAE For You, a patient support program offering educational resources, insurance coverage guidance, financial assistance, and streamlined prescription fulfillment processes, including delivery directly to patients’ homes via specialty pharmacies.
Wendy N. Davis, Ph.D., PMH-C, the Executive Director at Postpartum Support International, highlighted the profound impacts of untreated PPD, particularly among women in marginalized communities. The release of ZURZUVAE underscores the importance of recognizing PPD as a serious medical condition requiring timely and effective treatment options.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
