Oh, that recurring headache: Society updates migraine prevention guidelines, incorporates new therapies
Worldwide migraine Tx market expected to hit US$8.58 billion within five years (Issue #311, 765 words, 3.5 minutes)
The Canadian Headache Society has released its updated Migraine Prevention Guidelines, the first significant revision since 2012. This update incorporates a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide evidence-based recommendations for migraine treatment. The revised guidelines emphasize new therapies and strategies for managing episodic and chronic migraines, reflecting recent advancements in the field.
According to GII Research, the migraine therapeutics market is experiencing significant growth. The global market was valued at approximately US$6.16 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$8.58 billion by 2029. This growth is driven by increased awareness of migraine conditions and advancements in treatment options. In particular, the acute migraine treatment market alone is expected to grow from US$2,700.7 million in 2024 to US$4,194.1 million by 2034.
The CHS guideline, published in The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, synthesizes data from 61 studies and evaluates 16 therapies, including anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) agents approved by Health Canada between 2018 and 2024. These agents offer additional options for migraine prevention. The CHS also provided updated guidance on treatments such as propranolol, topiramate, and onabotulinumtoxinA. Notably, topiramate’s recommendation has been downgraded to a weaker level for episodic migraine. New therapies, including memantine and melatonin, have been weakly recommended for consideration in episodic cases.
Notably, several CGRP agents have received approval in recent years to reshape migraine management. Erenumab (Aimovig), developed by Amgen, was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2018 as the first CGRP receptor antagonist for migraine prevention. Galcanezumab (Emgality) from Eli Lilly also gained FDA approval in 2018 for adult preventive treatment. Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) from Allergan was approved in 2019.
Dr. Suzanne Christie, President of the CHS, emphasized the importance of this update, saying in a press release that the CHS’s goal is to improve the quality of care for people living with migraine by providing healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to manage the condition effectively. The updated guideline reflects the latest research and clinical practices, ensuring patients receive the most effective and up-to-date preventive treatment options. The guidelines also will assist Canadian neurologists and primary care providers in selecting appropriate treatments, particularly in complex clinical situations.
THIS WEEK 12/03/24
Endo launched its ready-to-use, premixed bag of epinephrine in 0.9% sodium chloride injection (Adrenalin) to treat hypotension associated with septic shock.
Health Canada approved Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide injection (Wegovy) to reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction in adults with established cardiovascular disease and a BMI equal to or greater than 27 kg/m2.
Pharmascience Canada announced the launch of palbociclib (Pr pms-PALBOCICLIB), a prescription medication for the treatment of patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
The U.S. FDA approved AOP Health’s landiolol (RapiblykTM) for the treatment of the severe heart condition supraventricular tachycardia (atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter).
NOW LISTEN UP: HERE’S KENNETH CUSTER OF ELI LILLY CANADA
In season 13 of the NPC Podcast, Kenneth Custer, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly Canada, gives insights into his background in neuroscience, innovation in healthcare, and progress in therapeutics for obesity and Alzheimer’s. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
CANADIAN HEALTHCARE MARKETING HALL OF FAME
The Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame awards were established in 2002 to honour healthcare marketers who have contributed to our vocation and inspire others.
More than 100 honourees have been selected during the past 22 years. In the selection committee’s view, they represent a cross-section of the qualities that make our business unique and fulfilling. NPC Healthbiz Weekly will acknowledge the 2024 Hall of Fame Honorees over the next few weeks. Nominate a colleague for the 2025 Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame by clicking here.
2024 Inductee
Corinne Buchanan-Russell
President & Co-Founder
Advancing Black Talent in Pharma (ABTiP)
Mississauga, Ont.
Corinne Buchanan-Russell, president and co-founder of Advancing Black Talent in Pharma (ABTIP), began her pharmaceutical career more than 30 years ago when women in customer-facing roles were few and far between. Her first position was as a Medical Sales Representative. She recounts that “at that time, we had little data resources and relied heavily on what reps learned from HCP offices and pharmacies to create insights and build business plans.”
According to Buchanan-Russell, “Like so many of us who pursue careers in this field, the impact of the treatments we provide patients is at the forefront and a motivator for the love of this industry!” Always one to embrace the opportunities the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry has to offer, she held many progressive leadership roles in Canada. In 2010, she took on her first global assignment: a brand leadership role in Germany.
This was a role that required her to navigate uncharted waters. "The company was newly launching into the competitive field of diabetes with an alliance. The corporate environment and culture of the time was fiercely competitive and politically charged." On reflection, she noted, “How different my experience might have been. It would have been more inspiring if I had a mentor, especially if they looked like me. Black female leaders were just non-existent throughout my seven-year global career.”
Upon returning to Canada, Buchanan-Russell continued to see a low representation of Black talent and few, if any, Black leaders across the industry, and indeed none were home-grown. For a country as diverse as Canada, this diversity was not reflected in the pharmaceutical companies she worked for or the leaders they tended to hire. “Why were there not more talented Black Canadians pursuing careers in the pharma industry?” and “Why were there not more Canadian Black leaders?” she wondered.
While maintaining her full-time role as Rare Disease Franchise Head and Specialty Care Country Leadership Team, she worked alongside inspiring Black pharmaceutical professionals to form Advancing Black Talent in Pharma (ABTIP).
ABTiP is a registered not-for-profit organization with the vision to elevate and achieve a sustainable representation of Black communities in the Canadian pharmaceutical and life sciences industry. It works to provide its members and the broader Black life science community with the tools, support, and resources needed for individuals to thrive in their careers.
According to Buchanan-Russell, having mentors who share a similar experience is very important. “When you have people who look like you in leadership roles, it is motivating. It signals that you, too, can aim high and achieve your goals,” she said. “When you are the 'only' in a room or a group, the challenges and pressures can be daunting.”
One of the key lessons she has learned throughout her career has been to be open and curious. This mindset has contributed to many of her successes. By being “open to change [and] open to different perspectives...you embrace curiosity, and you maintain a growth-oriented mindset that allows you to stay ahead of our constantly changing and dynamic environment,” she said.
She said the pharma industry is full of opportunity. For people who are just starting their careers, she urges them to “be a continuous learner, stay current with industry trends, and embrace change. Build your network and find your tribe to mentor and support you. Learn from their experiences as you navigate your career. Finally, have your cameras 'on' in meetings in this virtual and hybrid work. It is critical to see and be seen.”
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