Using in vivo imaging technology, investigators at the University of Utah and the University of Padua have identified a new signaling mechanism for glutamate that was linked to the onset of spreading depression or spreading depolarization, a neuronal activity pattern that plays a role in multiple neurological disease states. In mouse models of migraine, glutamate, which is the major excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain, was released in what the authors called "plumes" or puffs.
Using in vivo imaging technology, investigators at the University of Utah and the University of Padua have identified a new signaling mechanism for glutamate that was linked to the onset of spreading depression or spreading depolarization, a neuronal activity pattern that plays a role in multiple neurological disease states.
The U.S. FDA has granted breakthrough device designation to Salvia Bioelectronics BV for its implantable neurostimulation system to treat chronic migraine. The designation, which provides for priority review and consultation with the agency on product development, underscores the need for effective treatments for the costly and debilitating condition. According to a summary in a patent filing, the wireless system comprises a treatment pulse generator unit and an implantable electrode unit to provide neurostimulation therapy for headaches.
A pivotal test of Satsuma Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s dry powder acute migraine candidate, STS-101, found neither of two doses evaluated met the co-primary endpoints, freeing people from pain or their most bothersome symptom two hours post-administration.
While Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co. Ltd.’s phase II/III proof-of-concept study of troriluzole for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) failed to meet its primary outcome measure at week 12, the company found enough silver in the study’s lining to press on for a larger phase III trial.
With positive top-line data reported for Axsome Therapeutics Inc.’s oral migraine candidate, AXS-07, in its INTERCEPT trial, the company and the candidate have notched two successful phase III trials in little more than three months.
Not long after a morning earnings call on March 27 in which Intelgenx Corp. CEO Horst Zerbe said his team was still awaiting word from the FDA on its resubmitted 505(b)(2) application for its acute migraine candidate, Rizaport Versafilm, that news arrived in the form of a complete response letter (CRL), its third following earlier CRLs in February 2014 and April 2019.
Despite seeing good growth in 2019, with net sales jumping to almost $2.4 million vs. $993,000 over the previous year, Electrocore Inc. has suspended its guidance due to uncertainty over COVID-19. The company previously said full-year revenue should be in the range of $7 million to $9 million.
With the FDA’s blessing, Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co. Ltd.’s Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) enters a massive market for treating migraine in adults. In the U.S. alone, more than 25 million people have been diagnosed and seek treatment.
Top-line results from Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co.’s phase III trial of troriluzole against placebo in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) failed to hit its primary endpoint, prompting the company CEO to say the poor results support halting development plans for the glutamate modulator as a monotherapy in GAD.
