Postpartum Depression - Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2032

Key Highlights

• Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common non-psychotic complication of childbearing affecting approximately 10-15% of women. People with postpartum depression experience emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety, and may have trouble caring for their baby.
• It usually begins within 1-12 months after delivery. Genetics, hormonal, psychological, and social life stressors play a role in developing PPD. Women with a history of depression and other mental health conditions, various face a higher risk of PPD.
• Antidepressant medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy effectively treat PPD. Classes of medications are being prescribed for PPD as off-label therapies, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). In March 2019, the US FDA approved ZULRESSO (brexanolone/SAGE-547), the first drug to treat adult PPD.
• A few therapies that are being investigated for the treatment of PPD include Zuranolone (Sage Therapeutics), Ganaxolone (Marinus Pharmaceuticals), LPCN 1154 (Lipocine), and BRII-296 (Brii Biosciences).
• As far as the epidemiology of postpartum depression is concerned, in 2022, it was found that the United States accounted for ~55% of the total diagnosed prevalent cases of maternal postpartum depression in the 7MM.
• The market size captured by the United States was found to be the largest among the 7MM countries. In 2022, it was found that the United States accounted for ~64.6% of the total market size captured by the 7MM region.
• The lack of a standardized screening method for depression, consistent cut-off scores on instruments, inconsistent data collection points, and lack of formal diagnosis based on diagnostic criteria challenge psychiatrists to establish a definitive PPD. However, increasing research and development to establish the pathophysiology and recent advancement in the diagnosis gives a lucrative opportunity for the PPD market.
• The effects of postpartum depression on the mother, her marital relationship, and her children make it an important condition to diagnose, treat, and prevent. Enhancing healthcare services, raising awareness, and supporting individuals with PPD are essential steps toward addressing the challenges associated with this disease.

Report Summary

• The report offers extensive knowledge regarding the epidemiology segments and predictions, presenting a deep understanding of the potential future growth in diagnosis rates, disease progression, and treatment guidelines. It provides comprehensive insights into these aspects, enabling a thorough assessment of the subject matter.
• Additionally, an all-inclusive account of the current management techniques and emerging therapies and the elaborative profiles of late-stage (Phase III and Phase II) and prominent therapies that would impact the current treatment landscape and result in an overall market shift has been provided in the report.
• The report also encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the postpartum depression market, providing an in-depth examination of its historical and projected market size (2019-2032). It also includes the market share of therapies, along with detailed assumptions and the underlying rationale for our methodology. The report also includes drug outreach coverage in the 7MM region.
• The report includes qualitative insights that provide an edge while developing business strategies, by understanding trends, through SWOT analysis and expert insights/KOL views, including experts from various hospitals and prominent universities, patient journey, and treatment preferences that help shape and drive the 7MM postpartum depression market.

There are various key players currently leading the treatment landscape of postpartum depression, such as Sage Therapeutics. The details of the country and therapy-wise market size have been provided below

• In 2022, the United States accounted for the largest market size among the 7MM countries, making ~64.6% of the total market size of the 7MM.
• Among the 7MM countries, Spain had the market size in 2022, accounting for ~2% of the market size in the 7MM region.
• In EU4 and the UK region, the UK accounted for the largest market size, making up ~33.9% of the total market size of the EU4 region.

Postpartum Depression Drug Chapters

The section dedicated to drugs in the postpartum depression report provides an in-depth evaluation of marketed therapies and the late-stage pipeline drugs (Phase III and Phase II) related to postpartum depression.

The drug chapters section provides valuable information on various aspects related to clinical trials of postpartum depression, including specific details, such as the pharmacological mechanisms of the drugs involved, designations, approval status, patent information, and a comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons associated with each drug. Furthermore, it presents the most recent news updates and press releases on drugs targeting postpartum depression.

Marketed Therapies

ZULRESSO (brexanolone): Sage Therapeutics

ZULRESSO (brexanolone) is a neuroactive steroid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a receptor-positive modulator indicated for treating PPD in adults. Brexanolone is available to patients only through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program and must be administered at a certified healthcare facility.

Emerging Therapies

SAGE-217/BIIB-125: Sage Therapeutics/Biogen

Zuranolone (SAGE-217) is an investigational, oral, novel medicine in development for postpartum depression (PPD). It is given once daily, a 2-week therapy neuroactive steroid (NAS) GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM) specifically designed to relieve several depression disorders, including PPD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and treatment-resistant depression.

Ganaxolone: Marinus Pharmaceuticals

Ganaxolone (CCD-1042) is a lead clinical-stage drug candidate that brings a GABAA receptor modulating mechanism and an extensive safety database with exhibited anti-epileptic (antiseizure), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and anti-depressive. It is being developed in three different dosage forms (IV, capsule, and liquid) to maximize therapeutic reach to adult and pediatric patients in acute and chronic care settings with severe PPD.

Note: Detailed assessment will be provided in the final report of postpartum depression…

Postpartum Depression Market Outlook

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious but treatable medical illness that involves extreme sadness, emotional liability, indifference and/or anxiety, and changes in energy, sleep, and appetite and carries risks for the mother and the newborn child. PPD usually starts within the first month or any time within the first year after childbirth and can last from weeks to months.

Treatments include antidepressant medications and the new upcoming therapeutic strategies that work on the principle of GABAA receptor modulation. The medical management for PPD comprises several aspects, such as interventions for depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and psychological interventions for eating disorders. The treatment strategy also encompasses psychological and psychosocial treatments and non-pharmacologic treatments. Besides, the medical care of a PPD patient and his family is incomplete without providing a support system for their psychosocial well-being.

Antidepressants, such as Abilify (aripiprazole), Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride), Spravato (esketamine), Prozac (fluoxetine capsules), Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide), Luvox CR (Fluvoxamine Maleate), and Paxil CR (paroxetine) form the mainstay in the treatment for PPD. They are being used as off-label drugs for the treatment of PPD. The current market consists of only one approved product ZULRESSO (brexanolone/SAGE-547), to treat patients with PPD. ZULRESSO, which is marketed by Sage Therapeutics, was approved by the US FDA in March 2019.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is recommended as first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate PPD due to rapid efficacy, lack of adverse effects on mother and infant, and no impact on breastfeeding. Pharmacotherapy, either individually or in combination with psychotherapy, is advised for moderate-to-severe PPD. Selective serotonin inhibitors, particularly sertraline, and citalopram, are recommended due to their minimal effects on breastfeeding.

In addition to improving currently available treatments and increasing access to those treatments, novel therapeutics are needed that specifically target the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder. The patient burden will increase in the coming times, and approval of the emerging drug will expand the market. Therefore, the overall market size will increase, which could be a better investment therapy area.

Postpartum Depression Disease Understanding and Treatment

Postpartum Depression Overview

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common non-psychotic complication of childbearing affecting approximately 10-15% of women. It can interfere with normal maternal-infant bonding and adversely affect acute and long-term child development. Women with a history of depression and other mental health conditions, various face a higher risk of PPD. The signs and symptoms of PPD include depressed mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep patterns, change in appetite, feelings of worthlessness, inability to concentrate, and suicidal ideation. Women may also experience anxiety. Patients having PPD may also have psychotic symptoms, which include delusions and hallucinations.

Postpartum Depression Diagnosis

Postpartum depression is diagnosed when at least five depressive symptoms are present for at least 2 weeks. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), postpartum depression is considered when a patient has a major depressive episode along with the peripartum onset, and it is not mentioned as a separate disease. Screening for PPD can be done 2-6 months after childbirth. Women with postpartum depression should also be assessed for manic features. Several screening tools are available, and one of the most frequently used is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The diagnosis of PPD should be strongly considered in women who score above 12 on the EPDS scale.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Postpartum depression can be treated with medication and counseling. Antidepressant medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy effectively treat PPD. Other treatments which may be useful include psychodynamic therapy, light therapy, exercise, and yoga. Other classes of medications are being prescribed for PPD as off-label therapies. One such class of medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine, sertraline, and others. Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has also been useful in treating PPD. As with treatment-refractory major depression in the general population, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option for depressed postpartum women who do not respond to antidepressant medication or who have severe or psychotic symptoms.

Postpartum Depression Epidemiology

The postpartum depression epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by, Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Maternal Postpartum Depression (PPD) Cases in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2019 to 2032.

• In 2022, the total diagnosed prevalent maternal postpartum depression (PPD) cases in the United States were ~716,000 which is projected to increase during the forecast period (2023-2032).
• The total diagnosed prevalent maternal postpartum depression (PPD) cases in EU4 and the UK were ~461,000 in 2022. The cases are projected to increase during the forecast period (2023-2032).
• The total diagnosed prevalent maternal postpartum depression (PPD) cases in Japan were ~125,300 in 2022.

KOL Views

In order to stay abreast of the latest trends in the market, we conduct primary research by seeking the opinions of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who work in the relevant field. This helps us fill any gaps in data and validate our secondary research.

The publisher has reached out to industry experts to gather insights on various aspects of postpartum depression, including the evolving treatment landscape, patients' reliance on conventional therapies, their acceptance of therapy switching, drug uptake, and challenges related to accessibility. The experts included medical/scientific writers, professors, and researchers from prestigious universities in the US, Europe, the UK, and Japan.

The team of analysts connected with more than 15 KOLs across the 7 Major Markets (7MM). We contacted institutions such as the University of Nevada, University of Valencia, UConn Health Center, Strasbourg University, and others. By obtaining the opinions of these experts, we gained a better understanding of the current and emerging treatment patterns in the postpartum depression market, which will assist our clients in analyzing the overall epidemiology and market scenario.

Qualitative Analysis

The publisher performs Qualitative and Market Intelligence analysis using various approaches, such as SWOT analysis and Conjoint Analysis. In the SWOT analysis, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in terms of disease diagnosis, patient awareness, patient burden, competitive landscape, cost-effectiveness, and geographical accessibility of therapies are provided. These pointers are based on the Analyst's discretion and assessment of the patient burden, cost analysis, and existing and evolving treatment landscape.

Conjoint Analysis analyzes multiple approved and emerging therapies based on relevant attributes such as safety, efficacy, frequency of administration, designation, route of administration, and order of entry. Scoring is given based on these parameters to analyze the effectiveness of therapy.

In efficacy, the trial's primary and secondary outcome measures are evaluated; for instance, in trials for postpartum depression, one of the most important primary endpoints was depressive symptoms measured by the HAM-D total score. Based on these, the overall efficacy is evaluated.

Further, the therapies' safety is evaluated wherein the acceptability, tolerability, and adverse events are majorly observed, and it sets a clear understanding of the side effects posed by the drug in the trials. In addition, the scoring is also based on the route of administration, order of entry and designation, probability of success, and the addressable patient pool for each therapy. According to these parameters, the final weightage score and the ranking of the emerging therapies are decided.

Market Access and Reimbursement

Because newly authorized drugs are often expensive, some patients escape receiving proper treatment or use off-label, less expensive prescriptions. Reimbursement plays a critical role in how innovative treatments can enter the market. The cost of the medicine, compared to the benefit it provides to patients who are being treated, sometimes determines whether or not it will be reimbursed. Regulatory status, target population size, the setting of treatment, unmet needs, the number of incremental benefit claims, and prices can all affect market access and reimbursement possibilities.

The report further provides detailed insights on the country-wise accessibility and reimbursement scenarios, cost-effectiveness scenario of approved therapies, programs making accessibility easier and out-of-pocket costs more affordable, insights on patients insured under federal or state government prescription drug programs, etc.

Postpartum Depression Report Insights

• Patient Population
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Postpartum Depression Market Size and Trends
• Existing Market Opportunity

Postpartum Depression Report Key Strengths

• Ten-year Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage
• Postpartum Depression Epidemiology Segmentation
• Key Cross Competition

Postpartum Depression Report Assessment

• Current Treatment Practices
• Unmet Needs
• Market Attractiveness
• Qualitative Analysis (SWOT, Conjoint Analysis)

Key Questions Answered

• Would there be any changes observed in the current treatment approach?
• Will there be any improvements in postpartum depression management recommendations?
• Would research and development advances pave the way for future tests and therapies for postpartum depression?
• Would the diagnostic testing space experience a significant impact and lead to a positive shift in the treatment landscape of postpartum depression?
• What kind of uptake the new therapies are going to witness in the coming years in postpartum depression patients?