The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday approved the sale of a new antidepressant drug that could represent a major breakthrough for those who suffer from severe depression.

Esketamine nasal spray, marketed under the brand name Spravato, is produced by Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical unit Janssen.

Janssen said in a statement that FDA agreement provides the first new mechanism in 30 years to treat depression, adding that it helps adults who are also experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The company noted that the FDA's approval was based on five studies that showed the product had worked more quickly than many anti-depressants.

Esketamine is related to ketamine, which is used as an anesthetic, but also as a narcotic.