Migraine sufferers with comorbid obesity can find relief with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.’s drug, Ajovy (fremanezumab), according to two Phase 3 studies presented at the European Headache Congress. The studies showed that Ajovy was equally effective in reducing migraine attacks in obese as well as non-obese patients.
Lead study author Dr. Pablo Irimia Sieira of Clinica Universidad de Navarra in Spain expressed optimism about the findings, stating that fremanezumab can reduce migraine attacks as effectively in obese patients as it does in patients of normal weight. He emphasized the importance of treatments proving efficacy and safety in migraine patients with comorbid obesity due to the higher burden of the condition in these individuals.
Ajovy is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). It was approved in 2018 as a preventive treatment for migraine in adults who experience at least four migraine days per month. Ajovy comes in two dosing options: a monthly injection of 225 mg or three monthly injections of 675 mg.
This drug is part of a new class of medications approved by the FDA that specifically block CGRP, a molecule involved in migraine attacks. Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) was the first drug in this class to receive approval in 2018.
Migraine headaches are characterized by intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. These attacks can lead to significant pain and disability for hours or even days.
Patients with comorbid obesity and migraine face higher levels of disability, with both conditions being more prevalent among female patients. Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased migraine prevalence, severity, and frequency of adverse effects. Therefore, finding effective treatments for overweight and obese individuals is crucial.
Teva’s Ajovy offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from migraines, irrespective of their weight. By targeting the CGRP molecule, the drug helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, providing much-needed relief for patients. These recent studies highlight the equal efficacy of Ajovy in both obese and non-obese patients, a significant step forward in addressing the specific needs of individuals living with migraines and obesity.
With obesity rates on the rise globally and migraine affecting millions of people, the findings regarding Ajovy’s effectiveness in treating comorbid obesity and migraines offer hope for countless individuals seeking relief from their symptoms. This development could potentially improve the quality of life for a significant portion of the population affected by both conditions.
It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare providers to determine if Ajovy is a suitable treatment option for their migraines. The drug’s approval for use in both obese and non-obese individuals opens up new possibilities for those struggling with migraines, regardless of their weight.
In conclusion, the Phase 3 studies presented at the European Headache Congress have confirmed Ajovy’s efficacy in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks in individuals with comorbid obesity. This finding is particularly significant considering the higher burden of migraine in these individuals. With the approval of Ajovy, patients have access to a targeted treatment that offers relief from the disabling effects of migraines, irrespective of their weight.
