In the Know: Ubrelvy isn't always the preferred choice for acute therapy
In The Know
By: Althea Fung
Ref: FirstWord Reports
Published: 02/16/2022
Migraines are one of the most common conditions globally, with about 30% of adults reporting having had a migraine. FirstWord spoke with 12 key opinion leaders (KOLs) from North America and Europe about marketed and pipeline agents for the acute treatment and prevention of migraine.
In December 2019, the FDA approved Ubrelvy (ubrogepant; AbbVie) to treat migraine with or without aura in adults, making it the first drug in the class of oral CGRP receptor antagonists authorised for the acute treatment of migraine. The North American KOLs say Ubrelvy has had a successful market launch in the US, and the drug has been helpful for refractory chronic migraine patients. However, the experts have mixed feelings about the dosing of Ubrelvy – with some finding the multiple-dosing regimen complex and a hindrance to prescribing. One expert favours Nurtec (rimegepant; Biohaven/Pfizer) over Ubrelvy, as the former can be used as both an acute treatment and a preventive medicine.
"There was an initial quick uptake [of Ubrelvy], but then when Nurtec came around that really took over in terms of the acute gepant market. [Nurtec] has the data regarding the potential for reducing frequency over time with regular use. So, that added benefit is another reason to think about Nurtec above Ubrelvy," a North American KOL said.
While AbbVie has not launched Ubrelvy in Europe, some European KOLs would welcome the new treatment option with a favourable clinical profile compared with triptans or Reyvow (lasmiditan; Eli Lilly). However, some European neurologists worry about the potential for medication overuse with Ubrelvy. Additionally, the experts assume AbbVie may not launch the drug in this market, given no clinical trials are in progress in Europe.