A new oral medication that is being trialled to treat Postnatal Depression (PND) aka Postpartum Depression (PPD), is showing great promise.
Allopregnanolone is the only FDA-approved medication on the market used for the treatment of postnatal depression. At the moment it is administered through a 60-hour intravenous infusion.
LYT-300 (oral Allopregnanolone) uses ‘GlyphTM,’ cutting-edge technology developed by the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. This technology enables Allopregnanolone to be administered orally in pill form.
This new development could provide much-needed relief for the millions of women who suffer from PPD each year.
“Due to a relative paucity of newly FDA-approved molecules in recent decades, significant patient needs exist, and we are experiencing a national mental health crisis that makes these needs even greater. Achieving an orally bioavailable prodrug of allopregnanolone may prove promising in the treatment of mood disorders such as postpartum depression – and potentially a range of related neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.”
Maurizio Fava, M.D., Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Massachusetts General Hospital
How widespread is Postnatal Depression?
The prevalence of Postpartum Depression is thought to be around 15%, meaning that one in seven women will experience the condition at some point after giving birth.
However, many cases go unreported and untreated, due to the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. This new medication could help to break down that stigma and provide women with postnatal depression with the support they need to recover.
“These data show that allopregnanolone can be successfully administered orally, which is very encouraging not only for women with PPD, but also for those with other neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, including other forms of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, who could benefit from an oral form of allopregnanolone.”
Professor Christopher Porter
Final thoughts on LYT-300 (oral Allopregnanolone)
LYT-300 (oral Allopregnanolone) could prove to be a game changer in the treatment of PPD, and it is hoped that this new oral medication will be available to women suffering from the condition in the near future.
If you are struggling with PPD however, please seek help from a medical professional now. It will take months for this drug to come on the market, and you cannot afford to wait that long.
If you or someone you know is suffering from postpartum depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, or call a Postpartum Depression hotline in your country.
United States: If you are in the US check out the Postpartum Support International website, call their HelpLine on 1.800.944.4773 or Text in English: 800-944-4773 | Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Australia: If you are in Australia check out the PANDA website or call the PANDA National Helpline (Mon to Fri, 9am – 7.30pm AEST/AEDT) 1300 726 306
United Kingdom: If you are in the United Kingdom check out the PANDAS Foundation website or call their FREE helpline number 0808 1961 776.