While Health Canada’s approval of the first drug to specifically treat postpartum depression represents a clinical milestone in women’s mental health, one benefits expert says its impact on employer-sponsored drug plans is likely to be limited.
Zuranolone, sold under the brand name Zurzuvae, is a 14-day oral treatment designed to provide rapid symptom relief for postpartum depression, with clinical trials showing improvements as early as day three. Traditional anti-depressants commonly used to treat the condition often have a slower onset and mixed effectiveness.
In the U.S., the one-time course is priced at roughly US$16,000, putting its expected Canadian cost in the $15,000 to $20,000 range. However, this medication differs from many high-cost specialty drugs because it isn’t intended for ongoing use, says Dave Patriarche, president of Mainstay Insurance Brokerage Inc.
“From a benefits perspective, this is more comparable to a one-time hepatitis C treatment than a chronic specialty drug. Because it’s a single course of therapy, it shouldn’t materially affect long-term plan costs or renewals when plans are properly structured.”
Patriarche notes that utilization is expected to be low, with coverage likely subject to prior authorization or clinical criteria, further limiting exposure — particularly for small- and mid-sized employers.
He also cautions that while new health therapies often generate significant attention, they rarely translate into widespread demand at the plan level.
“Most employers aren’t asking to add every new health benefit they read about. The focus remains on affordability, sustainability and working with advisors who understand how these claims should be managed.”
Nearly one in four Canadian mothers report symptoms consistent with postpartum depression or anxiety within the first year after childbirth, according to Statistics Canada.
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