On Wednesday 17 September, the European Commission announced that it had granted EU market authorisation for zuranolone, a medicine designed to treat post-partum depression (PPD).
This mental health condition can affect women following childbirth and is marked by persistent sadness, anxiety and fatigue. It can be severe and long-lasting, with negative consequences for both mother and child.
To date, no specific treatment has been approved for PPD, and standard antidepressants often do not take effect quickly enough to relieve symptoms.
Authorisation is based on a positive scientific assessment (https://aeur.eu/f/ih1 ) from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Zuranolone reduces depressive symptoms related to PPD after two weeks of treatment. The drug is subject to medical prescription. It can have some side-effects, which are specified in the package leaflet. Its use is contraindicated during pregnancy and is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Zuranolone is marketed under the name Zurzuvae in the United States. This medicine is a neuroactive steroid that modulates the GABA-A receptor, helping to restore neuronal balance and mood. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)