Coming Migraine Treatment: Lasmiditan
Lasmiditan is a new drug that is being investigated for the treatment of migraine attacks. It’s in a new class of drugs known as ditans, which are serotonin receptor agonists that selectively bind to the 5-HT1F receptor.
Lasmiditan has been the subject of numerous studies already. The advantage of Lasmiditan is that it doesn’t seem to constrict blood vessels, and there have been no reports of cardiovascular effects or chest symptoms. This is very important because of the increased risk that migrainuers already have for heart issues and stroke. Those in particular who can’t take triptan drugs may find relief with Lasmiditan.
Like the very popular triptan class of drugs, Lasmiditan would be taken for a specific migraine attack.
Recent trials showed significant improvement in migraine patients over a placebo. Over 60% of headaches were reduced to nothing or almost nothing within 2 hours. Sensitivity to light and sound were also significantly reduced. Interestingly, nausea was also reduced, but this took more time.
The company that is testing Lasmiditan, CoLucid, is planning trials throughout 2012, 2013 and 2014, hoping to have a product ready for 2014. Already, a recent survey in the USA suggested that 10% or neurologists would prescribe Lasmiditan. As you might imagine, the financial experts are keeping an eye on statistics like these, in the highly competitive world of migraine medication.
This is what CoLucid has to say about the drug:
Lasmiditan is a first-in-class Neurally Acting Anti-Migraine Agent (NAAMA) designed to deliver efficacy in migraine without the vasoconstrictor activity associated with previous generations of migraine therapies. Lasmiditan is a member of a novel chemical class called "ditans" and, unlike triptans, penetrates the central nervous system (CNS) and selectively targets 5-HT1F receptors expressed in the trigeminal pathway. Lasmiditan does not interact with vasoconstrictor 5-HT1B/1D receptors activated by triptans.
13 April 2012 @ 6:40 am
This would be the drug for me!
I have an aneurysm and cannot take any blood vessel restricting medication.