It could be ‘life-changing’ for up to 10,000 chronic migraine sufferers.
In what is set to be extremely life-changing news for those prone to suffering with chronic migraines, a revolutionary new drug, Fremanezumab (Ajovy), has been approved for use within the NHS in England and Wales.
The drug was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) today.
Today we’ve published draft guidance recommending a new drug – fremanezumab – that could help around 10,000 people who have chronic migraine. Read the full story here: https://t.co/7YfkLv3Cm7 pic.twitter.com/8R2aF0QLaP
— NICE (@NICEComms) March 12, 2020
According to NICE, the drug will be available to patients living with chronic migraine symptoms who have already failed to respond to at least three other migraine preventive drugs.
Produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Fremanezumab costs around £5000 per year, but the company has offered a discounted price to the NHS, meaning it can be considered a cost-effective use of NHS resources.
Meindert Boysen, director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, said: “Chronic migraines are extremely debilitating and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.”
“We are pleased that the company has been able to work with us to address the concerns highlighted in the previous draft guidance so that we are now able to recommend fremanezumab as an option for people with chronic migraine when several other medications have failed.”
It is estimated that there are 190,000 migraine attacks experienced every day in England, with women more likely to experience one than men.
The drug aims to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraines.