Closed Consultation: Proposal to control zuranolone under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Current status: Closed
This consultation ran from February 7, 2026, to April 18, 2026.
Health Canada has proposed that zuranolone, the active ingredient in the prescription drug ZURZUVAE™, be added to Schedule IV to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and that it be regulated as a targeted substance.
Zuranolone is available in Canada by prescription only. This would continue to be the case if zuranolone is scheduled under the CDSA. If zuranolone is controlled, it would be illegal to produce, package, sell, provide, import, or export this drug without appropriate authorizations (such as a licence) from Health Canada.
Controlling zuranolone under the CDSA would increase oversight and help minimize the chances of this drug being misused or diverted to the illegal market.
Who was the focus of this consultation
We asked for comments from:
- Industry and industry associations
- Health care professionals
- Law enforcement
- Researchers
- Interested members of the public
Key questions for discussion
Ideas and inputs were sought around:
- Whether you agree or disagree with this proposal and why
- Any potential impacts that the long-term control of zuranolone could have
Related information
Contact us
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
Email: csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc@hc-sc.gc.ca