MEDI 217 |
| Over 300 million people worldwide are migraineurs and nearly 20 million migraine attacks occur every day, according to recent estimates by the World Health Organization and others (Ref). Before the 1990's, migraine was treated mainly using NSAIDs and ergotamines, usually with limited success. With the introduction of the 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist Imitrex® (sumatriptan), response rates significantly improved. A broad range of triptan options are now available including Amerge® (naratriptan), Axert® (almotriptan), Frova® (frovatriptan), Maxalt® (rizatriptan), Relpax® (elatriptan), and Zomig® (zolmitriptan). However, the triptans, are not without side-effects and, due to their active vasoconstrictive properties, include labeling that limits their broad utility (e.g., contraindicated in patients with ischemic cardiac, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular syndromes, or uncontrolled hypertension). The need clearly exists for novel approaches beyond the triptans for treating migraine, and new mechanisms are being explored. In addition, migraine sufferers would benefit from modes of drug delivery that provide faster onset of relief than is usually obtained with traditional oral pills, especially given the nausea and gastric stasis that can accompany the disorder. |
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Beyond Tryptans
9:00 AM-11:30 AM, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 BCEC -- 210B, Oral
Division of Medicinal Chemistry |