Zurzuvae Archives - Medical Design Sourcing

Zuranolone molecule image from PubChem

Sage Therapeutics has pegged the wholesale acquisition price of the oral postpartum depression (PPD) drug Zurzuvae (zuranolone) at $15,900 for a 14-day course of the therapy. The drug, co-developed by Biogen, won the FDA green light in August. The companies plan on launching the drug in December. The DEA has classified zuranolone as Schedule IV, which mostly includes benzodiazepines. That status could influence prescriber and patient perceptions concerning the drug’s safety profile and potential for abuse. The formulary review process for Zurzuvae, critical for insurance coverage, will occur throughout 2024.

Sage had initially aimed to price Zurzuvae under $10,000, but its failure to win approval earlier this year for zuranolone for major depressive disorder altered its pricing strategy.

Zurzuvae postpartum depression cost in context

The wholesale acquisiti…

Zuranolone molecule image from PubChem

FDA’s approval of Zurzuvae for PPD could mark a significant shift in the fight against postpartum depression (PPD). On August 4, the agency gave the green light for the oral medication, although it declined its use for major depressive disorder (MDD), citing insufficient evidence of effectiveness.

The former approval represents a milestone as the first ever FDA-authorized oral medication specifically for PPD, a condition estimated to affect one in five new mothers.

Still, the rejection for MDD, which affects more than 21 million American adults, sent Sage’s stock valuation reeling. In early afternoon trading, SAGE shares were down 52.24% to $17.24. In contrast, Biogen stock was up 0.47% to $270.19.

Sage’s optimism for Zurzuvae in PPD treatmentt

In a business update call, CEO Barry Greene attempted to accentuate the positive. “We&#…

Zurzuvae

Is the new $15,900 postpartum depression pill worth it?

FDA approves zuranolone for postpartum depression but issues complete response letter for major depressive disorder