Pfizer Announces FDA Approval of Nasal Spray for Migraines

On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a nasal spray by Pfizer, called Zavzpret, that promises quick relief from migraines. According to Pfizer, trials conducted between October 2020 and August 2021 showed that the drug provided relief within 15-30 minutes of use, with the relief lasting up to 48 hours in many patients. Dr. Kathleen Mullin of the New England Institute for Neurology & Headache noted that the nasal spray offers an alternative treatment option for those who need relief from their migraines quickly. The drug works by blocking peptide receptors that cause inflammation associated with migraines. It is approved to treat acute migraine with or without aura, and is the first product of its kind. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 39 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide live with migraine. The cost of the drug has not yet been revealed, but it is expected to be available in pharmacies by July 2023.