Zurzuvae (zuranolone) for postpartum depression in Pakistan

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that affects some women after giving birth, characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emotional distress. Around 30% of Pakistani women suffer from PPD and although multiple treatment options are available, none of these are feasible for Pakistan, a lower-middle-income country with a subpar healthcare system. In August 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first oral medication for the treatment of PPD. As a low-cost, self-administered oral drug, independent of the need for a healthcare professional, Zuranolone emerges as an efficacious and long-term approach to address PPD in Pakistan.