KIRKLAND –NURTEC ODT® (rimegepant) is now available in Canada for use in the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura in adults older than 18 years of age.[iii] NURTEC is an orally disintegrating calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist tablet. It was approved by Health Canada on December 1, 2023.
Classified as one of the 10 most disabling medical illnesses in the world,[iv] migraine is a brain disease characterized by attacks that last from four to 72 hours with multiple symptoms including, pulsating moderate to severe headache, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and sometimes vomiting, as well as cognitive fogginess, amongst other symptoms.[v]
“Migraine is a common, disabling brain disease, and for those living with migraine, effective therapy can take years to be found”, said Dr. Christine Lay, Professor of Neurology and Founding Director of the Headache Program at the University of Toronto. “It is an exciting time for Canadians to now have another targeted, migraine specific therapy in their management toolbox.”
An estimated 4.5 million Canadians suffer from migraine with one in four households having someone affected by the disease.[vi] In Canada, migraine is a leading cause of years lived with disability among those aged 15 to 49 years.[vii]
“Migraine symptoms are complex and may last for several days. People living with migraine are looking for timely and equitable access to new options to effectively manage this highly debilitating disease,” said Wendy Gerhart from Migraine Canada. “We are excited for new treatments to help advance migraine care, which is often overlooked, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.”
“Pfizer Canada is proud to bring this new therapy to Canadians impacted by migraine,” said Andréa Mueller, Primary Care Portfolio Lead, Pfizer Canada. “Pfizer has a long-standing legacy in managing neurological conditions, and we are proud to build on our commitment in this area with our work in the treatment of migraine.”