BRIEF—Sage and Biogen price PPD drug Zurzuvae

Following approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in August this year, Biogen and Sage Therapeutics have said their oral pill to treat postpartum depression (PPD) in adults Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is expected to be commercially available for adults with PPD in December 2023 with the broader complement of commercialization capabilities expected to roll out in early 2024.

The goal of broad affordable access for women with PPD who are prescribed Zurzuvae has been a key consideration for Sage and Biogen in setting the planned wholesale acquisition cost of $15,900 for a full 14-day treatment course, Sage announced along with its third-quarter financial results.

The two companies are working to enable women with PPD who are prescribed Zurzuvae to be able to access treatment with minimal restrictions and, where possible, with little to no co-pay regardless of financial means. To this end, Sage and Biogen are actively engaged with national, regional and government payors.

Jefferies had estimated peak sales of more than $1 billion for the drug if it was approved to treat clinical depression, and $250 million to $500 million for postpartum depression.