FDA Approves Zuranolone: A Breakthrough Pill for Postpartum Depression

The FDA has approved zuranolone, an oral pill manufactured by Sage Therapeutics and Biogen, as the first medication to treat postpartum depression. Zuranolone works by bonding to GABA receptors in the brain, resetting neurotransmitters that are unbalanced in people with depression and other mood disorders. Clinical trials showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms after 15 days of treatment. The drug is expected to provide rapid reduction of symptoms within three days. It is estimated that around 500,000 women in the U.S. experience postpartum depression each year.