Features / Comment / Insight / Analysis / Facts
May 2024 Vol 26 Issue 4
Medincell and AbbVie collaborate for next-generation injectables
Medincell and AbbVie have announced a collaboration to develop and commercialise next-generation long-acting injectables, page 4
Medincell and AbbVie have announced a collaboration to develop and commercialise next-generation long-acting injectables, page 4
GSK announces results from phase 3 gonorrhoea treatment trial
GSK has announced positive results from its EAGLE-1 trial for gepotidacin for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea, page 6
GSK has announced positive results from its EAGLE-1 trial for gepotidacin for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea, page 6
FDA approves Roche’s Alecensa lung cancer treatment
The FDA has approved Roche's Alecensa for the treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer, page 8
The FDA has approved Roche's Alecensa for the treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer, page 8
AbbVie’s migraine treatment recommended by NICE for NHS use
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has shared draft guidance recommending AbbVie’s Aquipta (atogepant) as an option for preventing chronic and episodic migraines in adults who typically have at least four migraine days per month and where three previous preventative options have failed.
NICE has recommended the drug for NHS use in England, giving approximately 170,000 people a further treatment choice for this indication.
According to the press release, the drug is a ‘tablet and works by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor in the body. CGRP is a protein found in the sensory nerves of the head and neck and causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to inflammation and migraine pain’.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, commented: “Today’s final draft guidance demonstrates our commitment to focusing on what matters most and getting the best care to people while ensuring value for the taxpayer. Currently, the most effective options for people with chronic migraines who have already tried three preventative treatments are drugs that need to be injected. The committee heard from patient experts that some people cannot have injectable treatments, for example because they have an allergy or phobia of needles. So, some people with chronic migraines would welcome an oral treatment. Atogepant also offers more choice for people with episodic migraine.”
Andrew Stephenson, health minister, added: “Migraines affect millions of people in this country and this new treatment will help prevent recurring migraine attacks when other medicines have failed. It will allow more people whose daily life is affected by this painful, debilitating condition to manage their migraines more effectively and to live their lives to the fullest.”
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