A new migraine pill that could change the lives of thousands of sufferers nationwide has been given the green light for NHS use in England.
According to The Migraine Trust, about 10 million adults in the UK currently battle “incredibly debilitating” migraines on a regular basis – but now, thanks to new final draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), there could be a some fresh hope offered on the NHS in England.
Anyone who experiences at least four migraine days a month, and has tried at least three other treatments prior but has sadly found no relief, will be eligible for the once-daily pill known as Atogepant (sold under the brand name Aquipta).
NICE said this means upwards of 170,000 migraine sufferers will have more treatment options.
A ‘life-changing’ new daily migraine pill has been given the green light for NHS use in England / Credit: Nikodash | Adrian Swancar (via Unsplash)
The new guidance for England from NICE comes after Atogepant was recommended for use in Scotland by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) in October last year, and also follows clinical trials that suggested the drug was effective in some adults.
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Atogepant is designed to be taken daily to prevent both chronic migraines, which occur more than 15 times a month, as well as episodic migraines that occur between four and 15 times a month, and at first, it will only be available from specialist doctors in secondary care settings, rather than from GPs.
“Migraines affect millions of people in this country, and this new treatment will help prevent recurring migraine attacks when other medicines have failed,” commented health minister, Andrew Stephenson, as the drug was given the green light this week.
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Atogepant is expected to be made available from next month / Credit: Brett Jordan (via Unsplash)
“It will allow more people whose daily life is affected by this painful, debilitating condition to manage their migraines more effectively and to live their lives to the fullest.”
Rob Music, who is the chief executive of The Migraine Trust, says he wants the rollout of Atogepant in England to be “swift”.
He explained: “It is positive to see even more therapies emerging for people with migraines, as many still rely on treatments developed for other conditions, and we now need to ensure access is swift, so that migraine patients can benefit from them as quickly as possible.”
Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.
And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.
Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.
The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.
His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.
Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.
“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”
Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons
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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2024 
