Postpartum Depression Treatment Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Drug (Zuranolone, Brexanolone, and Others), By Route of Administration (Oral, Parenteral, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies and Specialty Pharmacies), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global postpartum depression treatment market size was valued at USD 12.2 million in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 79.9 million in 2024 to USD 973.0 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 36.7% during the forecast period.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition that occurs sometimes during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. This medical condition is also known as peripartum depression. It is associated with enduring emotions of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that last for a long time after giving birth. Postpartum depression, affecting 10% to 15% of women globally, stands as one of the most common complications following pregnancy. This medical condition can be treated with medications and counselling. As of now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved only two drugs to treat this condition.

The rising prevalence of this medical condition among pregnant women has resulted in the growing demand for therapies that are effective in both preventing and treating the symptoms of this disease. As a result, pharmaceutical companies and research organizations are focusing on the development and launches of drugs for the treatment of this condition.

• For instance, as per the data published by Biogen, the company planned to launch Zurzuvae in the fourth quarter of 2023 in the U.S. As per the company’s plans, in December 2023, Zurzuvae was introduced into the U.S. market.

Some of the other significant factors that are responsible for the market growth include the advancements in neuroscience research and an increasing focus on maternal mental healthcare programs for postpartum depression. The increasing awareness regarding the disease symptoms and postpartum depression treatment is also anticipated to drive the market growth in the near future.

Furthermore, women with a history of depression are more likely to develop this condition. Genetic factors also contribute to the development of PPD.

• For instance, as per the data published by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER) in November 2022, a person with a family history of postpartum depression has an increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression.


• In addition, as per an article published by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation in March 2017, the risk of peripartum depression is 20 times higher in women with a history of depression compared to women with no prior diagnosis of depression.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the market growth, resulting in slower growth. This was majorly due to several factors, such as delay in postpartum depression treatment, concerns about exposure to the virus, and a significant reduction in the number of women diagnosed with postpartum depression. In addition, delays in the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and non-clinical trials regarding postpartum depression drugs hampered the market growth during the pandemic period.

• For instance, as per the annual report provided by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. in December 2022, a significant reduction in patient demand and reduction in the number of sites available to administer Zulresso was observed during the pandemic.

Furthermore, factors such as increased emotional stress, financial strain, and concerns about medical care during the pandemic were also responsible for a comparatively lower growth rate in 2020 and 2021. However, in the fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the market for postpartum depression treatment witnessed a slightly positive growth.

Postpartum Depression Treatment Market Trends

Advancements in Diagnosis and Treatment of Postpartum Depression Identified as One of the Market Trends

As this medical condition has become more prevalent in recent years, the demand for the development of specific tools to support patient care is increasing rapidly. To support this, the researchers are focusing on the launches of innovative devices and therapies for enhanced understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. They are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology to find innovative ways to diagnose diseases effectively.

• For instance, as per the data published by Women’s Health in August 2023, the researchers of the University of Texas are working on the development of a tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the gap between mental health care and support for women facing postpartum depression symptoms.

Furthermore, various institutions are focusing on securing funding to develop a digital tool to help diagnose peri-natal and post-natal depression.

• For instance, in October 2022, BlueSkyeye AI Ltd., a healthcare technology company, secured funding of USD 4.2 million. This funding is used to advance patient’s quality of life through the use of its voice analysis and proprietary face technology. By using this technology, the company is involved in the development of a tool to help diagnose peri and post-natal depression.

Thus, the development of AI-based tools for the diagnosis and prevention of this medical condition is identified as a significant market trend that is expected to contribute to market expansion in the near future.

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Postpartum Depression Treatment Market Growth Factors

Rising Awareness Regarding Disease and its Treatment to Boost the Market Growth

There has been an increasing awareness regarding postpartum depression (PPD) globally in recent years, with more people becoming aware of the depression symptoms and seeking medical attention. This has led to an increase in the diagnosis rates of postpartum depression, which in turn drives the demand for drugs used in the disease treatment.

Furthermore, the federal government and several healthcare organizations are involved in arranging health campaigns to increase awareness regarding the disease.

• For instance, in September 2023, the Office of Women’s Health organized an awareness campaign to address maternal mental health in the U.S. This campaign was aimed at increasing awareness regarding postpartum depression.

In addition, several healthcare providers and researchers are focusing on the development of web applications to increase public awareness and disseminate health information regarding postpartum depression.

• For instance, as per the data published by BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth, in May 2023, SmartMoms, a web application, was designed and developed by a team of psychologists and researchers of the University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf and the Freie Universitaet Berlin in collaboration with an external web app developer. This web application provides information and screening for this condition. It has been proven to be a well-accepted and helpful digital tool for both women and healthcare providers interested in postpartum depression and is used to prevent this disease.

Thus, the rising awareness regarding this disease and treatment is further increasing the usage of drugs to treat patients effectively and is anticipated to boost market growth during the forecast period.

Increasing Prevalence of the Disease Leading to Growing Demand for Drugs to Propel the Market Growth

With the growing number of patients associated with this condition across the world, there is an increasing burden on healthcare providers to manage the patient pool. Thus, the demand for effective treatment for postpartum depression is significantly growing.

• For instance, as per the data published by Translational Psychiatry in October 2021, the prevalence of postpartum depression was nearly 17.22% across the world. The highest prevalence rate was found in Southern Africa (39.96%). In western countries around 10% to 15% of women experience this medical condition in the first year following giving birth.

Furthermore, poor living conditions, stressful life events, fewer work opportunities, family disputes, and socio-economic and emotional factors are some of the other factors responsible for the development of postpartum depression.

• For instance, as per the data provided in May 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several factors can increase the risk of postpartum depression, including low social support, family history of depression, younger age moms, and pregnancy with birth complications.

Thus, the rising prevalence of disease accelerates the demand for the development of therapeutics. These therapeutics would prevent, stop, or inverse the course of disease, which is expected to propel the demand for drugs treating this medical condition.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Treatment May Hamper the Market Growth

Postpartum depression is a growing public health issue with high costs. Assessment of total societal costs illuminates the profound impact of postpartum depression, encompassing both its direct and indirect economic components.

• For instance, as per the data published by the Center for Children & Families of Georgetown University in May 2019, during the five years following birth in 2017, monitoring of the mother-child pairs highlighted that untreated mood and anxiety disorders amongst pregnant women and new mothers incurred a cost of approximately USD 14.20 billion for births in the U.S.

Moreover, in recent years, the focus on the development of drugs for this medical condition has increased, but the high cost of these drugs is restraining market growth.

• For instance, as per the data published by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health in November 2023, a new drug (Zurzuvae) has been launched by Sage Therapeutics in partnership with Biogen for the treatment of postpartum depression. The new postpartum depression drug would cost around USD 15,900 for a 14-day treatment cycle in the U.S.

Thus, the anticipated economic strain associated with the treatment of disease is likely to impede the postpartum depression treatment market growth

Postpartum Depression Treatment Market Segmentation Analysis

By Drug Analysis

Availability of Single U.S. FDA-Approved Drug for Postpartum Depression to Lead to Brexanolone Segment Growth

On the basis of drug, the market for postpartum depression treatment is segmented into zuranolone, brexanolone, and others.

The brexanolone segment captured the largest market share in 2023. This can be attributed to the fact that brexanolone was the first U.S. FDA-approved drug for the treatment of postpartum depression. This drug was launched in the U.S. in 2019. Apart from brexanolone, no single drug was launched in the U.S. till November 2023.

Furthermore, the zuranolone is poised to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The U.S. FDA approved Zuranolone in August 2023, and it was launched in the U.S. market in December 2023.  The fastest growth of this segment is attributed to the advantages associated with it, such as low cost and ease of administration compared to brexanolone.

On the other hand, the others segment is anticipated to witness comparatively slower growth over the forecasted years. Increasing research and development activities are leading to an increasing number of peripartum depression drugs in the clinical trial pipeline. The availability of a large number of drugs in the clinical trial pipeline is one of the key factors poised to drive the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, as per the data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in November 2022, the PPD can be assessed after 1 and 6 weeks of surgery. Esketamine is a drug belonging to the class of NMDA receptor antagonists that can improve postoperative analgesia and decrease the chances of the development of this condition after one and six weeks of surgery.  

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By Route of Administration Analysis

Immediate Physiological Response Provided by Parenterally-administered Drugs to Foster the Segment Growth

On the basis of route of administration, the market is categorized into oral, parenteral, and others.

The parenteral segment captured the largest global postpartum depression treatment market share in 2023. The majority of industry players are focusing on the launch of the drugs that are administered through the parenteral route. In addition, the parenteral administration offers distinct advantages such as immediate physiological response, minimum volume constraint, and long-term effects, which are some of the key factors slated to drive the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, in June 2019, Sage Therapeutics Inc. announced the launch of a ZULRESSO (brexanolone) injection for the treatment of postpartum depression.

The oral segment is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecasted years. The segmental growth can be attributed to the development of oral medications for the treatment of this disease due to their ease of administration. Furthermore, the administration of oral medicines is the most convenient, simplest, and safest. Hence, by considering patient acceptability, healthcare providers are developing oral drugs for PPD.

• For instance, in August 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved oral treatment for postpartum depression. After the drug approval, the director of the Division of Psychiatry in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research stated that access to an oral medication can be a beneficial option for women coping with extreme, and sometimes life-threatening, feelings.

The others segment is estimated to witness considerable growth over the forecast period. Several companies are focusing on the development of drugs that can enhance patient acceptance and ease of administration. They are also focusing on the development of drugs that can be administered at lower doses and lead to cost-effectiveness compared to the drugs administered via other routes.

• For instance, as per the data provided by the National Library of Medicine in November 2023, GH Research Ireland Limited is conducting clinical trials for the drug GH001 which can be administered via inhalation route for the treatment of postpartum depression.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Growing Procurement of Prescription Medications from Hospital Pharmacies to Spur the Segment Expansion

By distribution channel, the market for postpartum depression treatment is segmented into hospital pharmacies and specialty pharmacies.

The hospital pharmacies segment led the global market in 2023 with the largest share. The escalating procurement of prescription medications from hospital pharmacies and rising number of hospital admissions for the treatment of postpartum depression are some of the important factors responsible for the high market share of the hospital pharmacies segment.

On the other hand, the specialty pharmacies segment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to the fact that some biopharmaceutical companies are collaborating with national specialty pharmacies to distribute products directly to patients. For instance, in December 2023, Biogen and Sage Therapeutics Inc. released the drug Zuranolone in the U.S. to treat postpartum depression. Both companies partnered with various national specialty pharmacies to ship this drug directly to women with PPD who are prescribed the treatment. This product is already available at specialty pharmacies in the U.S.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on region, the postpartum depression treatment market is studied across North America, the Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

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North America held the largest market share in 2023, generating a revenue of USD 12.2 million. Throughout the forecast period, the region is anticipated to hold a leading position in the market. The growing prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in the U.S., recent new drug approvals by regulatory authorities, and the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure in the region are some of the key factors responsible for the market growth.

• For instance, as per the data published by PostpartumDepression.org in July 2023, around 600,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with postpartum depression per year.

Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure to support postpartum depression care in the region further supports the market growth. In addition, several companies are planning to initiate clinical trials in North America.

• As per the interim report of Brii Biosciences Limited published in 2023, the company has initiated a phase 2 trial of BRII-296 in the U.S. for investigation of postpartum depression. Furthermore, the company is planning to initiate additional studies for PPD in the U.S.

On the other hand, the Asia Pacific market for postpartum depression treatment is expected to capture the second-largest share during the forecast period. The region experiences significant growth due to the escalating prevalence of postpartum depression in Asian countries, coupled with a rising awareness among the population.

• For instance, in February 2022, Mother Sparsh, an Indian Ayurvedic company launched an awareness campaign titled #MomYouAreNotAlone to initiate a conversation regarding after-birth depression amongst new moms and inform Indians. This campaign would create more awareness of postpartum well-being for new moms.

In addition, the rest of the world captured the lowest share in the global market for postpartum depression treatment in 2023. Increasing efforts by the government to improve healthcare and increase awareness regarding postpartum depression amongst the general population have driven the market growth.

• For instance, in May 2019, the European Institute of Peri-natal Mental Health launched a campaign to increase awareness and promote health care for women suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis.

Furthermore, in the Latin America region, the higher rates of this disease are not only associated with postpartum anxiety but also related to inadequate family environment and concerns about the lack of hospital beds.

List of Key Companies in Postpartum Depression Treatment Market

Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen are Taking Part in the Creation of Innovative Therapies to Manage the Condition

In 2023, the postpartum depression treatment market demonstrated a highly consolidated structure, with the presence of major players, such as Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen, accounting for significant market shares. These companies have the only product approvals and are actively participating in the development of innovative therapies for the management of postpartum depression.

Furthermore, other market players, such as Brii Biosciences Limited and GH Research Ireland Limited, are also involved in the development of drugs for postpartum depression. These two companies have drugs in their product pipeline for the treatment of this medical condition, contributing to the growing competition in the market.

• For instance, in September 2022, Brii Biosciences Limited announced positive results from a Phase 1 study evaluating its long-acting, single-injection therapy of BRII-296 in development for treating peripartum depression (PPD). 

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (U.S.)


• Biogen Inc. (U.S.)


• Brii Biosciences Limited (China)


• GH Research Ireland Limited (Ireland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• August 2023 – Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc. announced the U.S. FDA approval of ZURZUVAE (zuranolone). ZURZUVAE is the first orally administered drug that can provide rapid improvements in depressive symptoms for women with PPD.


• February 2022 – Sage Therapeutics, Inc announced the completion of a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating zuranolone for the treatment of PPD.


• November 2020 – Biogen announced the partnership with Sage Therapeutics, Inc. to mutually develop and commercialize zuranolone in the U.S. Through this partnership, both companies leveraged each other’s existing expertise to develop effective medicines for PPD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and other psychiatric disorders.


• March 2019 – Sage Therapeutics, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for ZULRESSOTM (brexanolone) injection for the treatment of postpartum depression, the most common medical complication of childbirth.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global postpartum depression treatment market report provides an in-depth analysis of the industry. It focuses on market segments, such as drug, route of administration, and distribution channel. Besides this, it offers the global postpartum depression treatment market forecast in relation to the current market dynamics, the impact of COVID-19, and the latest market trends. In addition, the report consists of several factors that have contributed to the market’s growth. The report also provides the competitive landscape of the market along with the pipeline analysis.

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