Pfizer Wins Migraine Marathon Against Eli Lilly

In 2021, as Pfizer’s oral migraine treatment Nurtec gained popularity, Eli Lilly commissioned a study to demonstrate that their injectable preventable migraine product, Emgality, was more effective.

CHALLENGE-MIG looked at the percentage of participants who experienced a 50% (or more) decrease in migraines each month following 12 weeks of therapy. However, the trials’ direct comparison left Emgality falling short of Pfizer’s Nurtec in preventing episodic migraines.

In 2020, Nurtec received its initial FDA approval for acute relief of migraines, and the next year, the FDA expanded their approval to include preventive capabilities. In comparison to injectables like Emgality, Nurtec’s oral use and broad label was seen to be more favourable.

Pfizer purchased Biohaven’s migraine portfolio for $11.6 billion in 2022 following Nurtec’s rapid expansion and positive physician response.

Since the end of 2022, neither medication has experienced strong sales, with Nurtec’s revenues dipping approximately 28% below Wall Street’s projections.

At the same time, AbbVie’s oral treatments, Qulipta and Ubrelvy, have caused problems for Nurtec. For Q1 2023, these collectively generated revenues of $218 million.

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