Pfizer just announced receiving the FDA approval of ZAVZPRET, a nasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. This approval marks a huge milestone in the pharmaceutical industry as it provides a new and innovative option for millions of people who suffer from a reduced quality of life due to migraines.
Migraine is a neurological disorder that affects nearly 40 million people in the United States alone. According to Mayo Clinic, it is characterized by severe headaches that can last for hours or even days, along with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can be incredibly debilitating, leading to absenteeism from work, school, and social gatherings, and substantially affecting an individual’s overall well-being.
The burden of migraine is immense, not just for the individuals who suffer from it, but also for their families, employers, and society as a whole. According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraines result in more than 113 million lost workdays annually in the United States, costing employers billions of dollars in lost productivity. In addition, the total indirect cost associated with migraine in the United States has been estimated at $19.3 billion (inflated to 2019 US$).
Until recently, the options for acute treatment of migraine were limited, with many people relying on over-the-counter pain medications or prescription drugs that can have significant side effects. However, the recent FDA approval of Pfizer’s nasal spray provides a new and innovative treatment option that is expected to significantly improve the lives of people who suffer from migraines.
ZAVZPRET is the first and only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist nasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine in adults. Being a nasal spray with rapid drug absorption, it will greatly serve patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of oral medications and need to regain their normal function rapidly.
The approval of ZAVZPRET represents a significant step forward in addressing the burden of migraines and improving the lives of those affected by this neurological disorder. It is our hope that this medication will become widely accessible, providing relief and support to those in need.