A new medication that is hoped could help people with migraines will soon be trialled at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
UniSC Clinical Trials has partnered with Biohaven, a pharmaceutical company based in the United States, to conduct two clinical trials for a new tablet to potentially treat and prevent migraine attacks.
Migraine is a debilitating disorder that affects millions of Australians and can last up to 72 hours, causing throbbing headaches, moderate to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light.
Principal Investigator for the trial Dr Robert Scott, who will lead the trial at the clinic at Sippy Downs, said some current medications were unsuitable or ineffective for many migraine sufferers and there were hopes the tablet could provide a more effective alternative.
“Through these trials, we hope to help those who have found triptan medication or other oral medications unsuitable,” Dr Scott said.
“The primary objective of the trials is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of this investigational medication for adults who have previously experienced intolerance, lack of efficacy, or a contraindication to other migraine medications.”
There will be two trials, each one testing the tablet in different scenarios, including for treatment of acute migraine and prevention.
The trials will determine whether taking the investigational medication on one occasion or every other day is effective in treating migraine attacks. Eligibility will be determined by previous medications taken or used by patients.
Lead Clinical Trials Coordinator Catherine Bell said the UniSC Clinical Trials team was seeking individuals aged between 18 and 65-years-old who had been experiencing acute migraine (with or without aura) for over a year and could provide documented evidence.
Eligible patients will have had four to fourteen migraine days per month on average across the last three months.
“We encourage eligible participants to apply through our website if they can commit to eight visits at our Sippy Downs clinic for up to 24 weeks,” she said.
Interested individuals can find more information and apply to participate in the trials at www.usc.edu.au/trials
