Jan 21 (Reuters) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded approval for Johnson & Johnson’s (JNJ.N), nasal spray, Spravato, to allow it to be used as a standalone treatment for patients with severe depression, the company said on Tuesday.

The ketamine-derived drug was first approved in 2019 to be used in combination with antidepressants, and later for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions.

“Now that it is also available as a monotherapy, healthcare providers have the freedom to further personalize treatment plans based on individual needs,” Gregory Mattingly, founding partner of St. Charles Psychiatric Associates, said in a statement. Read more…