New Drug Offers Hope for PTSD Relief After 20 Years

After more than two decades, a promising new PTSD treatment is on the horizon. A drug combining brexpiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, and sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has shown significant improvements in relieving posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

In a phase 3 clinical trial involving 416 adults with PTSD, the combination therapy reduced symptoms by 19.2 points on a diagnostic scale compared to 13.6 points for those receiving sertraline and a placebo. Dr. Lori L. Davis, the lead investigator, highlighted the drug’s effectiveness in not just alleviating symptoms but also improving patients’ daily lives. “It’s clinically meaningful when PTSD symptom relief is paired with better functional outcomes,” she said.

This new PTSD treatment is currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a decision expected by February 2025. If approved, it will be the first new medication for PTSD in over 20 years, addressing a critical need for improved therapies.

Currently, only two medications—sertraline and paroxetine—are FDA-approved for PTSD, but they often leave patients with unresolved symptoms. Experts believe this new drug could bridge the “effectiveness gap,” providing better symptom relief and reducing risks like distress and suicide.

The study also found that the combination therapy was well-tolerated, with minor side effects like nausea, fatigue, and slight weight gain. However, long-term studies are still required to confirm its safety and effectiveness over time.

This development marks a significant step forward in PTSD treatment, offering hope to millions of patients seeking more effective relief and a better quality of life.