Bristol Myers Squibb’s Emsam patched approved for depression

Depression treatment Emsam has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, developers Bristol-Myers Squibb and Somerset Pharmaceuticals have announced.

The drug, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), is delivered in a patch form to avoid the digestive tract. Oral versions of MAOI drugs have fallen out of favour with users, as foods containing tyramine can cause complications when taking the treatment.

Clinical trials revealed Emsam to be effective in reducing depression symptoms among those suffering from the clinical form of the disorder, while causing few serious side effects among its users.

“Using an innovative antidepressant delivery system, Emsam provides significant relief of depressive symptoms with demonstrated safety and tolerability,” said Alexander Bodkin, head of clinical psychopharmacology research at McLean Hospital.

“Major depressive disorder is a serious illness and not all treatments work equally well in all patients. The FDA approval of EMSAM is important because it adds another valuable treatment option to our armamentarium.”

The drug will be available in 6mg/24 hour patches, applied once a day, without dietary modifications. Stronger 9mg and 12 mg versions will require changes in foods.

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