US approves Pfizer spray treatment for migraine

US clears Pfizer migraine spray treatment

UPDATE DAY

The US health authorities have authorized a new migraine treatment which has the particularity of being administered by a nasal aerosol, the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced on Friday.

The treatment, which will be marketed by the American laboratory under the name of Zavzpret, has been authorized for the treatment of severe migraines in adults.

In a large clinical trial, the results of which were published last month in the scientific journal Lancet Neurology, the drug has demonstrated positive pain-relieving effects greater than a placebo, sometimes as quickly as 15 minutes after a dose, Pfizer pointed out.

“One of the most important characteristics of an acute treatment option is how quickly it works,” noted Kathleen Mullin, of the New England Institute for Neurology & Headache, cited in the Pfizer press release.

“As a nasal spray with rapid absorption, Zavzpret offers an alternative treatment option for those in need of relief who cannot take medication oral, because of nausea or vomiting,” she added.

Migraines can have a significant effect on daily life, and are often accompanied, in addition to headaches, visual disturbances or intolerance to light.

Pfizer has specified that the treatment will be available in American pharmacies in July 2023. The molecule used is called zavegepant.

The American giant bought Biohaven, the company that develops zavegepant and other migraine treatments, for more than ten billion dollars a year ago.