FDA approves Spravato

The FDA has approved Spravato, Janssen Pharmaceuticals' preparation of half of the generic drug ketamine, for the management of treatment resistant depression. Time will tell whether esketamine proves to be as beneficial in the treatment of mood disorders as ketamine has consistently shown to be. The FDA has set many requirements for esketamine use: can only be used under supervision in approved and certified treatment centers, cannot be used at home, must be used in conjunction with oral anti-depressants, must have failed to respond adequately to at least two other drugs. Esketamine treatment is anticipated to cost more than ketamine infusions however it is expected that insurance will reimburse for at least part of the cost.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/03/05/700509903/fda-clears-esketamine-nasal-spray-for-hard-to-treat-depression