Tezampanel (NGX424) to treat migraine
Introducing Tezampanel
Tezampanel is another new drug in development to treat migraine. At present it is administered by injection (like Imigran injections - also called Sumatriptan). It appears to work on the glutamate system, which is a new mode of action for a pain relieving migraine drug.
Phase IIb trial results being announced this week (June 26th-29th 2008)
The latest trial of tezampanel, as a migraine treatment, is to be announced at the American Headache Society Meeting in Boston later this week. According to its developers TorreyPines Pharmaceuticals subcutaneous injections of Tezampanel will show efficacy as an acute, pain-relieving drug for migraine. Previous work using an intravenous compund was well tolerated.
What position will this drug occupy?
With effective oral competitors (Aspirin, metoclopramide, buccal prochlorperazine, other oral triptans) this drug will probably compete with subcutaneous sumatriptan as a migraine treatment. If available to me today, I would try it in people reporting disabling attacks, in whom oral medicines have not worked. The side-effect profile could be crucial - triptans can make people feel unwell - chest or neck tightness for example. I’d be interested to hear of any significant side-effects or contra-indications for example. However, there is no shortage of people with migraines that are resistant to the currently available oral medications. Migraine affects 6% of men and 16% of women.
I will post more on this and other promising treatments from the American Headache Society Meeting.