First pill for postnatal depression set to save lives

A groundbreaking new pill hailed as a "breakthrough" for postnatal depression has become the first treatment of its kind to be licensed in the UK.

The drug, Zurzuvae™ (zuranolone), has been given the go-ahead by the drug regulator - the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) - in what experts say could mark a turning point in maternal mental health care.

Postnatal depression (PND) affects at least 1 in 10 mothers. A recent report by the The Royal College of Psychiatrists put the figure even higher, estimating that 85,000 mothers may have suffered from PND last year alone.

Some of those affected take their own lives - about 25 mothers die by suicide during or in the first year after pregnacy. Experts say many cases are linked to PND. Data from the Office of National Statistics shows suicide is the leading cause of death in women during and after pregnancy.

Until now, women have had to rely on talking therapies or conventional antidepressants - often prescribed "off-label" - which can be ineffective or take six to twelve weeks to work.

Trials show Zurzuvae can improve symptoms as early as day three of treatment. Taken once daily with food for a short 14-day course, it acts on the brain's brain receptors and it is thought can help balance disrupted neural pathways after childbirth.

Dr Mano Manoharan, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist, said: "Postnatal depression...impacts not only mothers but also infants and families. Holistic, evidence-based treatments are vital. The introduction of zuranolone offers a fast-acting, targeted breakthrough to support women swiftly and compassionately."

Dr Max Pemberton, an NHS consultant psychiatrist also welcomed the news. He said: "The real tragedy is that too often women don't get help because they feel it's admitting they've failed. They're afraid of being judged, or even fear that it will mean having their baby taken away. And the consequences can be devastating."

He added: "It's vital that we improve care for women with post-natal depression, not just for their sake, but for their babies too. Studies show that babies of mothers with post-natal depression can struggle with bonding and have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. These early experiences can have long-term effects."

Studies show each case of perinatal depression or anxiety costs society an average of £75,728, three-quarters of which comes from long-term effects on the child. Across a single year's birth cohort, this adds up to more than £4.4 billion.

Charities and clinicians also welcomed the MHRA decision but warned approval alone will not solve the problem.

They say new and pregnant mothers may still face a postcode lottery in mental health provision, despite government pledges to expand specialist services. Campaigners are urging NICE and the NHS to ensure Zurzuvae is made widely available and affordable as quickly as possible.

Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Chief Executive Director, said: "Keeping patients safe and enabling their access to high quality, acceptably safe, and effective medicines are key priorities for us.

"The approval of zuranolone reflects our ongoing commitment to increasing access to new medicines that have the potential to make a real difference to people suffering from serious health issues, and that have proven safety, quality and efficacy recognised by comparable international regulators.

"We are assured that the appropriate regulatory standards for the approval of this medicine have been met.

"As with all products, we will keep the safety of zuranolone under close review."