Unique drug for postpartum depression awaits approval in US
A team of medical scientists from Sage Therapeutics and Biogen, led by Dr. Christina Deligiannidis of the Institute of Behavioral Sciences in New York City, tested a new drug to alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression.The scientists conducted a phase III clinical trial of the drug to alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression. The trial involved women who had recently given birth. The results of the study were published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that affects many women. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, low mood, lack of interest in life and ability to focus, and suicidal ideation. Previous studies have shown that one in seven women suffer from postpartum depression.
Scientists have developed a new drug called Zuranolone. It can be taken in tablet form for several days in a row - usually 15. Notably, the drug is not an antidepressant; it is a steroid that reduces symptoms by affecting the functioning of neurons in networks that are involved in mood and behavior. After two weeks, the patient stops taking them, and they are checked in with their doctor over the next few weeks.
To test the effectiveness of the drug, the researchers invited 170 women who had recently given birth and had previously been diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. One half of the volunteers received the drug and the other half received a placebo.
It turned out that all of the women who participated in the study had improved symptoms. Presumably, those mothers who received the placebo felt better due to the fact that they were getting a respite from childcare. However, only those women who received the drug reported significant improvements, and only those women had positive changes that persisted for four to six weeks.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the drug and is expected to decide whether or not to approve it by Aug. 5.