The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the first oral treatment for preventing both chronic and episodic migraines, atogepant, to be available on the NHS for up to 170,000 people in England. This drug, which comes in tablet form, is intended for those who have not responded well to other medications or cannot have injections. The Migraine Trust has welcomed this development as a positive step towards helping those who suffer from debilitating migraines.
Migraines, which are more severe than headaches and often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and sensitivity to light, affect around six million people in the UK, with more women experiencing them than men. Atogepant is designed to be taken daily to prevent both chronic and episodic migraines, and will initially be available from specialist doctors in secondary care settings.
The drug belongs to a new class of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) drugs that work by blocking the receptor of the CGRP protein, which is thought to cause inflammation and migraine pain. Patients like Deborah Sloan from Brighton have found similar drugs effective in treating their chronic migraines, allowing them to regain control of their lives.
Despite the positive impact of these new treatments, some patients have faced challenges accessing them due to a lack of knowledge among doctors and long waiting lists for specialists. The Migraine Trust has called for swift access to atogepant and similar drugs to ensure that migraine patients can benefit from them as quickly as possible.
Overall, the introduction of atogepant on the NHS represents a significant advancement in migraine treatment, offering hope to those who have struggled with this debilitating condition for years. It is a step towards providing better care and support for individuals affected by migraines in the UK.