Sage Therapeutics experimental drug to treat postpartum depression showed positive results in a recent mid-stage study, according to Reuters.
The drug, called SAGE-547, produced a significant reduction in PPD symptoms for 21 patients in the study after only 60 hours. Typical antidepressants need about four to six weeks to start working, according to Samantha Meltzer-Brody, MD, one of the researchers involved with the trial.
Sage Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Mass., said it has started an expansion of the trial to determine dosing for the injectable drug.
While women can be treated for PPD with standard antidepressants and psychotherapy, there are currently no specific treatments approved for the condition.
The company's shares jumped 40 percent to $47.15 in response to the trial's positive results.
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