‘Wafer’ hope for migraine sufferers
A DRUG taken as a wafer that dissolves under the tongue could benefit 145,000 migraine sufferers.
Rimegepant, made by Pfizer, has been recommended to treat certain NHS patients struck by episodic migraines – those occurring for fewer than 15 days a month.
The medication works by stopping the release of a protein in the brain that causes inflammation and severe pain.
It was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for adults whose symptoms persist after trying at least three other treatments.
Helen Knight, of Nice, said many patients describe migraines as “an invisible disability that affects all aspects of life”.
She added: “Each year the lives of millions of people in England are blighted by migraine attacks.
“They can be extremely debilitating and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
“Rimegepant is the first oral treatment for migraine to be recommended by Nice
“For many thousands of people it is likely to be a welcome and more convenient addition to existing options for a condition that is often overlooked and undertreated.”
More than 5.6million people in England are thought to have episodic migraines.
Around 145,000 could benefit from the new drug. Toby Cousens, head of hospital and internal medicine at Pfizer UK, said: “On top of debilitating physical symptoms, migraine can place significant pressure on the professional and personal lives of those living with it, including being forced to take time off work. “Today’s decision is a positive step forward to help meet the care needs of eligible patients.”