AbbVie reports positive long-term results for atogepant in migraine prevention

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) has announced encouraging findings from an interim analysis of a 156-week extension study, assessing the long-term safety and effectiveness of atogepant, an oral medication designed for migraine prevention. Conducted over three years, this Phase 3, open-label study involves participants with chronic or episodic migraine. According to the data, atogepant continues to demonstrate a safety profile consistent with previous trials, with no new safety concerns emerging.

Significant Improvement in Migraine Prevention

The study highlighted substantial improvements in migraine prevention among participants. Dr. Sait Ashina, a lead author of the study and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, noted that patients experienced an average reduction of 8.5 monthly migraine days during the initial 13-16 weeks, with consistent results throughout the 48-week period. The findings also showed similar improvements in monthly headache days and a reduction in the use of acute migraine medications.

High Response Rate Among Participants

Further underscoring the drug’s efficacy, 70% of the study participants achieved a 50% or greater reduction in monthly migraine days within the first 16 weeks, a benefit that persisted during subsequent weeks. This high response rate highlights atogepant’s potential as a long-term solution for managing migraines.

Safety Profile and Adverse Effects

The safety results from the interim analysis align with the known profile of atogepant 60 mg. The most commonly reported treatment-emergent adverse events were COVID-19 (28.7%), nasopharyngitis (common cold, 10.9%), and constipation (8.2%).

Commitment to Migraine Patients

Dawn Carlson, Vice President of Neuroscience Development at AbbVie, expressed the company’s dedication to advancing migraine treatment, emphasizing that patients deserve effective and safe options. “Patients should accept nothing less than migraine freedom,” Carlson stated, affirming the positive impact of the interim study results.

Global Reach and Future Plans

Known commercially as QULIPTA in the U.S. and AQUIPTA in the European Union, atogepant is approved in 45 countries and targets both episodic and chronic migraine via its action as a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. AbbVie plans to continue seeking regulatory approvals across international markets, aiming to make this promising treatment accessible to more patients worldwide.

The sustained efficacy and manageable safety profile of atogepant over a long-term period are compelling, particularly for a condition as debilitating as migraine. This treatment’s ability to significantly reduce migraine days and its approval in multiple markets underscore its potential to improve the quality of life for patients globally. As AbbVie expands its reach, the healthcare community and patients alike have reasons to be optimistic about more accessible and effective migraine management options.