Title: Breakthrough Pill for Postpartum Depression Shows Promise in Clinical Trials
By Brooke Steinberg | July 31, 2023 | 8:57am
A groundbreaking medication called Zuranolone could soon become the first-ever pill approved specifically for postpartum depression (PPD). Recent trials have shown promising results, with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expected to make a decision on its approval by August 5.
The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, revealed that Zuranolone led to positive effects on depression symptoms and was generally well tolerated by participants. The medication, taken for only two weeks, is classified as an antidepressant that targets GABA receptors in the brain using a substance called neurosteroid.
Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis, the trial’s principal investigator and director of Women’s Behavioral Health at Zucker Hillside Hospital, expressed the significance of the study’s findings. She emphasized that postpartum depression is often overlooked and undertreated, and that the development of more effective therapies is crucial for supporting women who struggle with the condition.
The research, which involved 196 mothers experiencing postpartum depression, divided them into two groups: one receiving Zuranolone and the other a placebo pill. On day 15, all participants showed positive developments in their depression symptoms, but those taking Zuranolone had significantly better results. These improvements were still reported four and six weeks after the treatment period.
While some participants experienced minor side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness, the study authors highlighted that the long-term effects of Zuranolone remain unknown. It is also unclear whether the medication will have any impact on breastfeeding.
Zuranolone, designed to rebalance the brain networks responsible for mood, behavior, arousal, and cognition, represents a significant advancement in treating postpartum depression. The fast-acting pill would be taken once daily for two weeks.
If approved by the FDA, Zuranolone would provide a groundbreaking alternative to the current treatment option for postpartum depression, Zulresso. Unlike Zulresso, which is administered through an IV continuously for 60 hours, Zuranolone offers a more convenient and accessible treatment option for women suffering from PPD.
Depression affects neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate, throwing them off balance and impacting neuron activity. While treatments for depression have traditionally focused on boosting serotonin levels, emerging research suggests that targeting GABA receptors could yield similar benefits.
According to the National Institute of Health, approximately one in seven women experience postpartum depression. Often mistaken for “baby blues,” which usually lasts for a few days to a week, PPD symptoms are more severe and long-lasting. Symptoms may develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, during pregnancy, or even up to a year after the birth.
The groundbreaking results of the Zuranolone clinical trials signify a significant advancement in the treatment of postpartum depression. As scientists and medical professionals continue to develop more effective therapies, the hope is to provide better support for the many women who struggle with this debilitating condition.