Allergan receives UK MHRA authorisation of BOTOX for prophylaxis of headache in chronic migraine

Jul 9 2010

Allergan is pleased to announce that BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) has been licensed by the MHRA in the UK for the prophylaxis of headaches in adults who have chronic migraine (headaches on at least 15 days per month of which at least 8 days are with migraine). This is the first licence worldwide of BOTOX® for this indication, and is also the first prophylactic (preventative) treatment to receive a specific licence for patients with chronic migraine.

“BOTOX® treatment has been shown to reduce the frequency of headache/migraine, which can bring important benefits for patients. Patients with frequent, chronic migraine, have long required evidence-based approaches and this announcement offers them a new option, providing a real advance for patients often significantly impacted by their condition.”

Chronic migraine can be a costly and disabling disorder that can have a devastating impact on the lives of an estimated 700,000 people in the UK suffering from the condition, as well as their families. Patients suffering from chronic migraine are more likely to visit Accident and Emergency (A&E), general practitioners (GPs) or speciality care physicians than patients with less frequent episodes of migraine. However, although distinct from other types of migraine, approximately 80% of chronic migraine patients may not actually be diagnosed. Historically, treatment for chronic migraine has consisted of a combination of over-the-counter and prescription treatments such as triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, β-blockers and anti-epileptics.

"There is an unmet need for effective and well-tolerated therapies specifically designed and studied for the prophylaxis of headache in chronic migraine" said Scott Whitcup, M.D., Allergan's Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer. "The authorisation of BOTOX® marks an evolution in medical care for the prevention of headache in adults with chronic migraine. It is also a significant milestone in the history of BOTOX® and Allergan is proud to advance novel treatments in the field of neurology through our neurosciences research programme."

SOURCE Allergan, Inc.