Video
Evaluating MDD Treatment Attributes
Panelists provide their key considerations when determining appropriate treatment options for patients with major depressive disorder.
H. Eric Cannon, PharmD, FAMCP: The attributes that we value most include a product that has early onset of benefit for the patient. The quicker that onset can happen, the better. We’ve talked about that already. But we also want to minimize the impact of adverse effects, everything from sexual dysfunction to fatigue to dry mouth or something else that’s bothersome to the patient. All those things need to be factored in. In some cases, the treatment may be working but we’ve increased a certain level of anxiety with the patient. Finding that right treatment and minimizing the adverse effects is critical.
Michael Rothrock, MBA, MHA: We’ve already mentioned many times that onset of action is one of the major factors that’s going to drive interest in getting effective therapies for patients with MDD [major depressive disorder]. But as Dr Cannon mentioned, the safety and tolerability are big. Weight gain is another thing I would throw into that mix. We also want to make sure there’s durability of benefit. We want to see patients respond and stay responding. Or do they have to titrate? Is there a reason they discontinue? We want to minimize gaps in care. We want to have consistency. All of that is going to be important.
Another thing that’s important is a different mechanism of action. We’re pretty saturated with SSRIs [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors] and SNRIs [serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors]. We want something new, novel, and different for those who have previously tried and failed generic options.
Transcript edited for clarity.
