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FDA Approves Esketamine Nasal Spray for Depression Relief

1/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The FDA has greenlit esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) as a breakthrough treatment for adults battling major depressive disorder who have not found relief from two oral antidepressants. In trials, 22.5% of patients experienced remission, a significant leap from the 7.6% with a placebo. Due to potential risks, access to this innovative treatment is tightly controlled.

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Story summary

The FDA has greenlit esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) as a breakthrough treatment for adults battling major depressive disorder who have not found relief from two oral antidepressants. In trials, 22.5% of patients experienced remission, a significant leap from the 7.6% with a placebo. Due to potential risks, access to this innovative treatment is tightly controlled.