Brexanolone: First Global Approval

Brexanolone (ZULRESSO) is an intravenously administered, small molecule, neuroactive steroid GABA(A) receptor positive allosteric modulator that was developed by Sage Therapeutics under license to the University of California for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). The formulation is a mixture of allopregnanolone, an endogenous inhibitory pregnane neurosteroid, and sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin (a solubilizing agent). In mid-March 2019 brexanolone received its first global approval in the USA for the treatment of PPD in adult women. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of brexanolone leading to its first approval for the treatment of adult women with PPD.