Levadex – inhaled migraine drug on the way

Levadex is something new, and it isn’t.  It’s a new formulation of dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE), known by many as DHE 45 (an injection) or Migranal (a nasal spray where the drug is accompanied by caffiene).  DHE was introduced in the 40s, so it’s been around in various versions for a long time.

This new version known as Levadex is an inhaled version, brought to you by MAP Pharmaceuticals.  Levadex will use the Tempo inhaler, designed especially for asthma and migraine patients.

In the United States, Levadex took a big step forward when the FDA decided not to ask for another phase III study.  MAP Pharmaceuticals will go right ahead with their study of long term safety.

This part of the study is expected to be completed this year (2010).

So far Levadex looks promising for some patients, dealing not only with pain but other common symptoms – nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.  It’s believed that in a few years Levadex will be a major player in the migraine market.  Then again, our understanding of migraine is changing and increasing at such a rapid rate, it’s hard to say what will be going on in a few years.

via FDA Clears the Way for MAP Pharmaceuticals

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These other posts might relate:

• DHE Migraine Treatment: Why some people still use it
• My Hair Hurts! Migraine and Allodynia
• Zanaflex for Migraine? and Chronic Daily Headache?

Tagged as: DHE, DHE-45, dihydroergotamine mesylate, Levadex, MAP Pharmaceuticals, migraine, migranal, Tempo inhaler