GlaxoSmithKline, Pozen: sumatriptan effective in treating head and neck pain associated with migraines

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 26 - GlaxoSmithKline plc and Pozen, Inc. said in two identical double-blind studies evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of sumatriptan for the treatment of mild migraine pain versus placebo, neck pain and discomfort decreased in up to 54% and sinus pain decreased in up to 38% of patients at two hours.

In addition, more patients were pain free at two hours in both studies (52% and 51%) compared to placebo (17% and 15%). Sustained pain-free response was maintained for up to 45% of patients, compared

to 12% to 14% of patients treated with placebo.

Significantly more patients reached pain-free status at two hours and remained pain free for 24 hours without the use of additional medicine, according to a company news release.

Sumatriptan 85 mg is formulated with RT Technology and naproxen sodium 500 mg.

The single tablet combination therapy is being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration under the proposed trade name Trexim, containing sumatriptan 85 mg as the succinate salt, formulated with RT Technology and naproxen sodium 500 mg.

"These data suggest that a single treatment designed to target multiple mechanisms of migraine may be an effective option for many patients," lead study investigator Stephen Silberstein said in the release.

"In particular, we're excited because these studies show promise at treating associated symptoms of migraine such as neck pain and discomfort and sinus pain and pressure, which can be difficult to alleviate."

The study data was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Headache Society in Los Angeles.

GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical and health care company located in Brentford, United Kingdom.

Pozen is a pharmaceutical company based in Chapel Hill, N.C.

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