Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and a leading cause of global disability, impacting an estimated 332 million people worldwide— more than 5 percent of the adult population. While depression is typically treated with a “one-size-fits-all” approach, no two cases are the same. MDD is a complex, heterogeneous disorder involving multiple regions of the brain and presenting with as many as 256 unique symptom combinations – explaining why treatment responses vary so significantly.
While current antidepressants work for some, approximately two in three people living with MDD continue to experience residual symptoms while on treatment. Further, around 30 percent of people living with MDD have treatment-resistant depression (TRD), meaning they do not respond to two or more oral antidepressants.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) impacts an estimated 332 million people worldwide.
J&J’s approach to MDD
At Johnson & Johnson, our approach to MDD balances innovative science with human care, reflecting both the complexity of the condition and the uniqueness of each person affected. We believe that treating patients earlier with novel, highly effective treatments offers them the best chance of remission and recovery – without years lost cycling through multiple treatments. That’s why we’re working to transform depression care by advancing novel, mechanistically distinct therapies, while pairing innovation with real‑world support to help patients reach remission earlier and find the treatment that works for them.
