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| |  Migard (Frovatriptan Succinate), For Acute Migraine, Available In United Kingdom LONDON, ENGLAND -- April 9, 2003 -- Monday saw the launch of the latest triptan Migard (frovatriptan succinate), which is licensed for the acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine attacks in adults (aged 18-65 years). Migard is different from other triptans in that it has a half-life(1) of 26 hours. This coupled with data from clinical studies suggests a particular benefit for patients with long lasting migraine attacks. A migraine attack can last between 4-72 hours, with the average length of an untreated attack being 24 hours. Data has shown however that 71% of women and 48% of men have reported that their migraine attacks lasted for longer than a day. While many migraine sufferers get adequate relief from their treatment, 88% of patients would be willing to try a new drug. "A problem with some existing treatments is that symptoms return after several hours. A drug with a long half-life may offer real benefits for migraine sufferers who find that the effect of their current treatment is not sustained." said Dr. Anne MacGregor, Director of the City of London Migraine Clinic. "For example studies have shown that as many as 50% of female sufferers report that hormonal changes due to menstruation are a trigger for their migraine attacks and for these patients their migraine can last several days." she added. The efficacy and tolerability of Migard were demonstrated in three multi-centre randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials. A single dose of Migard 2.5mg was effective in providing meaningful pain relief (reduction from moderate/severe headache to no/mild pain after four hours) in 56-65% patients compared to 31-38% for placebo controls. These differences were highly statistically significant (P<0.001). A further study of early use (i.e. early after the onset of headache) has shown that one 2.5 mg Migard tablet gives benefits at two and four hours which may be sustained over 24 hours in terms of headache relief and maintenance of function. It is recommended that Migard be used as early as possible in the course of a migraine attack (after the onset of headache). Migard is well tolerated; safety studies demonstrate a low level of side effects. "The launch of a new triptan, such as Migard, with a long half-life offers migraineurs a sustained pain response with a proportional reduction in disability. Migraineurs that have been troubled with triptan-like side effects in the past can now try a triptan that may be better suited to their needs." said Dr. Manuela Fontebasso, GP, York. Migraine, which affects 15% of the population, is characterised by recurring symptoms of moderate to severe throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Menarini Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd Founded in 1886, Menarini is a dynamic European pharmaceutical company expanding rapidly in international markets. The company started research and development activities in 1978 and now invests around Euro 115 million annually in developing new drugs. It is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in the world and Italy's largest. Menarini's products are marketed in over 110 countries and in 2002 the worldwide group turnover was Euro 1,667 million. (1) Half-life is the time required to reduce the amount of medicine in the body by one half during elimination. Clinical trials have demonstrated a sustained response with an average duration of 17.9-18.5 hours and a low level of headache recurrence within the 24 hours post dosing.
SOURCE: Pope Woodhead PR
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