Sage Therapeutics Inc. advised investors not to expect the launch of Zulresso (brexanolone) to pick up momentum until late in the year and into early 2020, as it prepares for a slow ramp of the first ever treatment for postpartum depression. Management updated investors on the launch of Zulresso during a second quarter earnings call on 6 Aug.
The drug is administered through a 60-hour I.V. infusion and requires continuous inpatient monitoring for sedation and sudden loss of consciousness, which could present commercial hurdles. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy that will take time for Sage to implement