Israeli pharma firm to trial new oral migraine treatment

RedHill BioPharma of Israel is to start work on testing its new migraine treatment in the US.

RedHill BioPharma has submitted a new application to the US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) as it looks to begin late-stage clinical trials for a new treatment for acute migraines.
The company, which is based in Israel but which is working alongside the US IntelGenx Corp in the development of the new drug, has already reported positive results in initial tests of RHB-103.
The treatment, which is essentially a thin film of rizatripan for patients suffering from severe migraines to take orally, could represent a milestone in improving the lives of the many people around the world who have to endure debilitating headaches at regular intervals.
"[The] oral thin film is charcterised by rapid dissolution, ease of use, pleasant flavouring, and the ability to administer without water, all of which we believe are important for patients who suffer from migraines," explained Elkan Gamzu, product development manager at RedHill.
Typically, migraines can last anything from two to 72 hours, with severe headaches accompanied by feelings of nausea, vomiting and extra-sensitivity to light.