The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved atogepant, an oral tablet for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults, paving the way for NHS use in England. The decision comes after NICE concluded that the drug “provides benefits and value for money.”
Understanding Migraine
Migraine is a complex neurological condition characterized by intense, recurring throbbing head pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. Attacks can last from a few hours to several days and are frequently triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep. According to the Migraine Trust, approximately 10 million adults in the UK are affected, yet many still mistakenly believe it is just a severe headache.
Eligibility Criteria
Atogepant is recommended for patients only if standard treatments—such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and at least two triptans—have failed, or if these medications are unsuitable due to contraindications or side effects.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical trials demonstrated that a quarter of patients using atogepant reported being completely pain-free two hours after their first dose. This efficacy data supported NICE's positive recommendation.
Expert Reactions
Rachael Millward, from AbbVie UK, the pharmaceutical company behind atogepant, stated: “Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can have a profound impact on quality of life, leading to social withdrawal and missed work. This NICE recommendation will enable eligible patients in England access to an acute treatment option for the treatment of their migraine attacks.”
Rob Music, CEO of the Migraine Trust, added: “Many people with migraine tell us they have struggled to access treatments or had to wait a long time before they could see a specialist. That is why it is so important that there are a variety of treatments available and clinicians have clear guidance on how they should be prescribed. We therefore welcome today's update from NICE, which adds an additional treatment option for eligible migraine patients.”
Reporting Adverse Reactions
Patients who experience adverse reactions related to atogepant or any other medicine or medical device should report them to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency using the Yellow Card Scheme.
