Study Evaluating Desvenlafaxine Succinate Sustained Release (DVS SR) Versus Placebo in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women

A Multicenter, Randomized, 8-week, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Followed by a 6-month Open-label Extension to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of DVS SR in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women With Major Depressive Disorder

Desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS) is a potent and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The sustained-release (SR) formulation, DVS SR, is being studied in the development program for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause, and for pain associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy, as well as for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. This study will investigate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of DVS SR in women with MDD who are peri- and postmenopausal.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Peri- and postmenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 70 years, inclusive.
• A primary diagnosis of MDD, single or recurrent episode, without psychotic features using the modified International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).
• Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score > or = 22 at the screening and baseline visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of oral estrogen-, progestin-, androgen-, or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)-containing drug products 8 weeks before baseline.
• Current (within 12 months) psychoactive substance abuse or dependence (including alcohol), manic episode, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar or psychotic disorder.
• A history or active presence of clinically important medical disease.

Additional criteria apply.