Global pharmaceutical company Pfizer has joined forces with Academy Award, Golden Globe Award and 13-time Grammy Award-winning actress and philanthropist Lady Gaga to promote Nurtec ODT (rimegepant), a prescription migraine medication. Nurtec’s TV commercial with Lady Gaga aims to elevate awareness around migraines, a neurological disorder, during Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in June.
Migraines are characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe pulsating pain, typically affecting one side of the head. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, these episodes can persist from four to 72 hours, often accompanied by heightened sensitivity to light, noise and odors, as well as nausea and vomiting. Routine physical activities, or even abrupt actions like coughing or sneezing, can exacerbate these headaches. Approximately 25 to 30 percent of individuals experience auras — visual disturbances or physical numbness that serves as a “warning” signal — prior to a migraine attack.
How Does Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant) Work?
Pfizer acquired Nurtec ODT and five preclinical calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist candidates from Biohaven’s CGRP inhibitor portfolio last year. Nurtec ODT, a quick-dissolve tablet, operates by blocking the CGRP receptor, effectively treating a fundamental cause of migraines. Its targeted mechanism provides a more comprehensive, adaptable treatment plan, affording individuals with migraines more control over their condition.
Clinical trial results revealed that a single dose of Nurtec ODT alleviated pain in two hours for about 21 percent of patients, and 35 percent of patients experienced relief from their most troublesome symptom (light sensitivity, sound sensitivity or nausea) at two hours. For some, relief persisted up to 48 hours. As a preventive measure, the study reported that patients taking Nurtec ODT saw a greater reduction in mean monthly migraine days (MMDs) during weeks 9 to 12. As such, Nurtec ODT can be administered up to once daily to halt migraine attacks, or every other day to help prevent migraines and reduce monthly migraine days.
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Nurtec ODT’s TV Commercial Featuring Lady Gaga
The Nurtec ODT website highlights Lady Gaga’s personal journey as a migraine sufferer, diagnosed at the age of 14. It provides an in-depth narrative of the star’s battle with this debilitating condition and her experience with Nurtec ODT.
“When I tried Nurtec for the first time, I’ll never forget wishing I had found it sooner,” she shared in her testimony and Instagram post.
Lady Gaga also stars in a 30-second Nurtec ODT commercial, relaying her personal experience with migraines in a voiceover. “I know what it’s like to perform through pain,” she remarks, adding, “If you’re like me, one of the millions suffering from pain caused by migraine, Nurtec ODT may help. It’s the only medication that can treat a migraine when it strikes and prevent migraine attacks. Treat and prevent, all in one.” After the safety disclaimer and the listing of the most common side effects, which include nausea and abdominal pain, the commercial concludes with Lady Gaga affirming, “We’re in this together. Talk to a doctor about Nurtec ODT.”
RELATED: Zavzpret (Zavegepant) Migraine Nasal Spray from Pfizer Gets FDA Nod
Nurtec ODT Pricing
The cost of Nurtec ODT is approximately $1,000 for a supply of eight tablets for cash-paying customers; however, the Nurtec Onsesource program provides savings and out-of-pocket support through a co-pay card for eligible commercially insured patients.
New Migraine Drugs
In March this year, Pfizer announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for their novel migraine nasal spray Zavzpret (zavegepant), touted as “the EpiPen of migraines” due to its rapid action.
Other migraine treatments that have received FDA approval in the last few years include Trudhesa (dihydroergotamine mesylate) nasal spray by Impel Pharmaceuticals, Reyvow (lasmiditan) by Eli Lilly, Elyxyb (celecoxib oral solution) by BioDelivery Sciences and Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) tablet by Allergan.
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