USA — In a significant clinical trial, Eli Lilly’s biologic migraine drug, Emgality (galcanezumab), was unable to outperform Pfizer’s oral drug, Nurtec ODT (rimegepant).
The three-month study, involving 580 patients, marked the first-ever comparison between these two approved medications.
Pfizer obtained Nurtec through its US$11.6 billion acquisition of Biohaven Pharmaceutical last year.
The primary objective of the trial, which measured the percentage of participants achieving a 50% or greater reduction in monthly migraine days, did not demonstrate Emgality’s statistical superiority over Nurtec ODT.
However, Lilly stated that the study did show “clinically meaningful” efficacy and safety results for Emgality, consistent with previous research on the drug.
Emgality received FDA approval in 2018 for the preventive treatment of migraines in adults, while Nurtec ODT gained approval in 2020 for the acute treatment of migraines, expanding to cover episodic migraine prevention the following year.
In terms of sales, Emgality generated US$154.3 million globally in the first quarter of this year, while Nurtec ODT recorded US$167 million during the same period.
In another recent development, Pfizer received FDA approval in March for its nasal spray, Zavzpret (zavegepant), providing patients with a potentially fast-acting pain relief option for migraines.
Zavzpret was approved for the treatment of acute migraines with or without aura in adults. Aura refers to neurological disturbances that occur before or during migraines.
Migraines encompass more than just head pain, often involving additional symptoms like light sensitivity and nausea.
Non-pill medications can be beneficial for individuals with migraines. The pricing for Zavzpret, set to launch in July, is expected to be comparable to other FDA-approved migraine medicines within the same class, according to Pfizer.
Zavzpret belongs to a class of drugs known as calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors and will compete with therapies from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Amgen, and Teva Pharmaceutical.
Pfizer aims to differentiate itself through Zavzpret’s rapid speed of action, with Biohaven promoting it as the “Epipen of migraine.”
The results of the head-to-head trial between Emgality and Nurtec ODT highlight the ongoing pursuit of effective treatments for migraines and the competitive landscape within the pharmaceutical industry to address this debilitating condition.
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