No more migraines? New daily pill approved in England could half migraine frequency

A new daily pill that can effectively reduce the frequency of migraine attacks has been approved for use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

The pill, known as Atogepant, sold under the brand names Aquipta and Qulipta, is the first oral treatment of its kind to be given the green light for preventing both chronic and episodic migraines.

This approval is expected to provide relief and more treatment options for around 170,000 patients across the country.

Atogepant: Halfing migraine frequency

Atogepant works by blocking the receptor of a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), found in the sensory nerves of the head and neck.

By targeting CGRP, which is known to cause blood vessel dilation and inflammation leading to migraines, this medication can significantly reduce the number of migraine days experienced by patients.

According to studies, Atogepant has been shown to halve the number of monthly migraine days, making it a promising solution for individuals who have suffered from at least four migraine days a month and have tried multiple other treatments without success.

Helping people who struggle with migraines

Chronic migraine, characterised by at least 15 headache days per month, and episodic migraine, with fewer than 15 headache days per month, could both benefit from this new treatment option. Patients who struggle with injectable treatments due to allergies or phobias will particularly welcome the availability of an oral alternative.

The decision by Nice comes after the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) granted similar approval in Scotland last year, showing the growing recognition of Atogepant’s efficacy in migraine management.

How will the drug be available?

The drug, priced at £463.38 for a 28-day supply, will be offered at a discounted rate to the NHS. If Atogepant does not show adequate results within 12 weeks of use, reduction of at least 30% for chronic migraines and 50% for episodic migraines, treatment will be reassessed.

This development is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for migraine sufferers, allowing them to manage the condition better and reduce the impact of this debilitating ailment on their daily lives.