Headache Disorders, Primary

More than one billion people worldwide live with migraine,i and the World Health Organization classifies migraine as the second leading cause of disability in the world.ii KIRKLAND, QC, April 4, 2024 /CNW/ - NURTEC ODT® (rimegepant) is now available in Canada for use in the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura in adults older than 18 years of age.iii NURTEC is an orally disintegrating calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist tablet. It was approved by Health Canada on December 1, 2023. Classified as one of the 10 most disabling medical illnesses in the world,iv migraine is a brain disease characterized by attacks that last from four to 72 hours with multiple symptoms including, pulsating moderate to severe headache, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and sometimes vomiting, as well as cognitive fogginess, amongst other symptoms.v "Migraine is a common, disabling brain disease, and for those living with migraine, effective therapy can take years to be found," said Dr. Christine Lay, Professor of Neurology and Founding Director of the Headache Program at the University of Toronto. "It is an exciting time for Canadians to now have another targeted, migraine specific therapy in their management toolbox." An estimated 4.5 million Canadians suffer from migraine with one in four households having someone affected by the disease.vi In Canada, migraine is a leading cause of years lived with disability among those aged 15 to 49 years. vii "Migraine symptoms are complex and may last for several days. People living with migraine are looking for timely and equitable access to new options to effectively manage this highly debilitating disease," said Wendy Gerhart from Migraine Canada. "We are excited for new treatments to help advance migraine care, which is often overlooked, underdiagnosed, and undertreated." "Pfizer Canada is proud to bring this new therapy to Canadians impacted by migraine," said Andréa Mueller, Primary Care Portfolio Lead, Pfizer Canada. "Pfizer has a long-standing legacy in managing neurological conditions, and we are proud to build on our commitment in this area with our work in the treatment of migraine." About Migraine Migraine is the third most prevalent illness in the world,viii affecting around 1.3 billion people globally.ix Migraine prevalence is highest during peak employment years.x In Canada, migraine is the third-leading cost driver for incremental productivity loss due to absenteeism and presenteeism.xi,xii While migraine affects all demographics, women are disproportionately impacted by this brain disease.xiii About NURTEC ODT® NURTEC ODT targets a key component of migraine by reversibly blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors. CGRP is increased during a migraine attack, promotes neurogenic inflammation, dilates blood vessels and is involved in nociceptor signaling. CGRP receptor antagonists work by reversibly blocking CGRP receptors, thereby inhibiting the biologic activity of the endogenous CGRP neuropeptide. CGRP receptors are a key contributor to the trigeminal nerve pain and inflammation of migraine.xiv About Pfizer Canada Pfizer Canada ULC is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that help extend and improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. Global headquarters are located in New York City, where the company was founded in 1849. Pfizer's Canadian footprint includes its headquarters in Kirkland, Quebec and a manufacturing site in Brandon, Manitoba. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube. SOURCE Pfizer Canada Inc.

VANCOUVER, BC, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WAT Medical Enterprise achieves a major milestone: HeadaTerm 2 receives the OTC clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it one of the only wearable anti-migraine devices that is available without a prescription in the U.S. Using neuromodulation technology, HeadaTerm 2 releases targeted electrical impulses to increase pain tolerance of its users. It is FDA-cleared for the preventative treatment of migraine headaches. Continue Reading The device has been clinically proven to be safe and effective at reducing migraine symptoms; according to the study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, it can be up to 27%[1] more effective at relieving migraine symptoms than oral medications. Additional clinical studies featuring HeadaTerm 2 will commence in 2024 at world-renowned research institutions including University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Ohio State University. HeadaTerm 2 is a testament of WAT Medical's continued commitment to providing safe, effective, and user-friendly innovative medical devices at the most competitive price. HeadaTerm 1 was the world's first disposable wearable anti-migraine device. It provided an affordable solution to a debilitating condition that affects nearly 40 million people in the U.S. HeadaTerm 2 is a rechargeable device that features adjustable intensity setting and will be the most affordable device of its kind. With its streamlined design, HeadaTerm 2 requires no app, enhancing its user-friendliness by allowing all controls to be managed with just one button, ensuring ease of operation. This innovative approach simplifies the user experience, eliminating the need for complex installations or additional software. During extensive usability testing, consumers unanimously praised its intuitive interface and seamless functionality, regarding it as simply the best solution for managing migraines effectively. WAT Medical plans to support headache patients, specifically veterans, through strategic partnerships and donations through the VHA Headache Centers of Excellence Program. HeadaTerm 2 will appear at the 66th Annual Scientific Meeting in June 2024 hosted by American Headache Society. The device will be available without a prescription at and on Amazon in April 2024. SOURCE WAT Medical Enterprise Ltd.

Pharma companies are getting more serious about telehealth. In the past three months, Eli Lilly launched a splashy website connecting consumers with places to get prescriptions for obesity, diabetes and migraine medications, AstraZeneca made its first virtual option for asthma patients and Phathom introduced a telehealth feature when launching its acid blocker marketing campaign. Industry experts anticipate that offering consumers a direct way to reach prescriptions will become part of the future of drug marketing and commercialization. Consumers want to get prescription healthcare the way they get many other products — fast, easy and online. And there’s potential for broader access to medicines for remote patients.