Lilly purchases rights to migraine therapy from Arteaus Therapeutics

Lilly has announced the acquisition of all development rights to a potentially promising new treatment for the prevention of frequent, recurrent migraine headaches.

The company has struck a deal with Arteaus Therapeutics to re-acquire the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibody project, which targets a sensory neuropeptide with vascular and pro-inflammatory effects – two processes that have been implicated in migraine headaches.

Known as LY2951742, the molecule was originally discovered by Lilly scientists, before being licensed to Arteaus Therapeutics for development in a clinical proof-of-concept study. Lilly has bought the rights back following positive phase II study findings.

Dr Jan Lundberg, executive vice-president for science and technology and president of Lilly Research Laboratories, said: "Migraine is a debilitating condition that can be severe and extremely disabling, and migraine sufferers need new safer and better treatment approaches."

Earlier this month, the company provided an update on its operational strategy, noting that it currently has 13 potential new medicines in the phase III testing or submission stage, with an additional 26 in phase II.