Biohaven's NURTEC® ODT Approved In United Arab Emirates For Acute Treatment Of Migraine

Rhea-AI Summary

On March 11, 2021, Biohaven announced approval from the UAE Ministry of Health for NURTEC® ODT (rimegepant) to treat acute migraines in adults. This medication is the first CGRP receptor antagonist offered as a fast-acting orally disintegrating tablet, providing relief within an hour and lasting up to two days. The partnership with Genpharm aims to expand access in the UAE, aligning with Biohaven's strategy for global growth. Notably, NURTEC ODT is not intended for migraine prevention. Common side effects include nausea, which occurred in 2% of patients.

Positive

• Approval of NURTEC ODT in the UAE opens new market opportunities for Biohaven.
• NURTEC ODT provides rapid relief from migraines, enhancing patient compliance and satisfaction.

Negative

• NURTEC ODT is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraines, limiting its market potential.
• Potential side effects such as nausea may discourage some patients from using the medication.

NEW HAVEN, Conn., March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. (NYSE: BHVN) ("Biohaven") and Genpharm announced today that NURTEC® ODT (rimegepant) was approved by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention for the acute treatment of migraine with and without aura in adults. NURTEC ODT is the first and only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist available in a fast-acting orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) approved for the acute treatment of migraine.

Vlad Coric, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Biohaven commented, "We are enthusiastic about joining forces with Genpharm to expand access of NURTEC ODT to patients with migraine in the UAE. The expansion of NURTEC ODT into countries beyond the US is an important step to help patients suffering from migraines and continues our strategy of global brand expansion through key distribution agreements."

A single quick-dissolving tablet of NURTEC ODT can provide fast pain relief and return patients to normal function within one hour, and deliver sustained efficacy that lasts up to 2 days after a single dose for many patients. NURTEC ODT disperses almost instantly in a person's mouth without the need for water, offering people with migraine a convenient, discreet way to take their medication anytime and anywhere they need it. NURTEC ODT is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine. Biohaven partnered with Genpharm to pursue regulatory approval of the NURTEC ODT dossier in the UAE. 

Kamel Ghammachi, Co-Founder and Chairman of Genpharm commented, "We are proud to announce the UAE has issued the marketing approval of NURTEC ODT. This is in line with Genpharm's mission of speeding up the availability of innovative and ground-breaking medicines for patients in the region."

About NURTEC ODT
NURTEC® ODT (rimegepant) is the first and only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist available in a quick-dissolve ODT formulation that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the acute treatment of migraine in adults. The activity of the neuropeptide CGRP is thought to play a causal role in migraine pathophysiology. NURTEC ODT is a CGRP receptor antagonist that works by reversibly blocking CGRP receptors, thereby inhibiting the biologic activity of the CGRP neuropeptide. The recommended dose of NURTEC ODT is 75 mg, taken as needed, up to once daily. For more information about NURTEC ODT, visit www.nurtec.com.

The most common adverse reaction was nausea (2% in patients who received NURTEC ODT compared to 0.4% in patients who received placebo). Avoid concomitant administration of NURTEC ODT with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, strong or moderate inducers of CYP3A or inhibitors of P-gp or BCRP. Avoid another dose of NURTEC ODT within 48 hours when it is administered with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4.

Indication
NURTEC ODT is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.

Limitations of Use
NURTEC ODT is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine.

Important Safety Information
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to NURTEC ODT or any of its components.

Warnings and Precautions: If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue NURTEC ODT and initiate appropriate therapy.  Serious hypersensitivity reactions have included dyspnea and rash, and can occur days after administration.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reaction was nausea (2% in patients who received NURTEC ODT compared to 0.4% in patients who received placebo).  Hypersensitivity, including dyspnea and rash, occurred in less than 1% of patients treated with NURTEC ODT.

Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant administration of NURTEC ODT with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, strong or moderate inducers of CYP3A or inhibitors of P-gp or BCRP.  Avoid another dose of NURTEC ODT within 48 hours when it is administered with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4.

Use in Specific Populations:

1. Pregnant/breast feeding: It is not known if NURTEC ODT can harm an unborn baby or if it passes into breast milk.
2. Hepatic impairment: Avoid use of NURTEC ODT in persons with severe hepatic impairment.
3. Renal impairment: Avoid use in patients with end-stage renal disease. 

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 or report side effects to Biohaven at 1-833-4NURTEC.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

About Genpharm Services
Genpharm Services is a regional pharmaceutical company, based in the Dubai Science Park (DSP), UAE, with operations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Genpharm is the leading partner in the region for multinational companies with innovative therapeutics, in specialty care and rare diseases. Working with evidence-based medicine and thanks to an established expert team, Genpharm provides its partners with market access strategies and sustainable commercial solutions for MENA. For more information, visit https://www.genpharmservices.com/

About Biohaven
Biohaven is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio of innovative, best-in-class therapies to improve the lives of patients with debilitating neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, including rare disorders. Biohaven's neuroinnovation portfolio includes FDA-approved NURTEC ODT (rimegepant) for the acute treatment of migraine and a broad pipeline of late-stage product candidates across three distinct mechanistic platforms: CGRP receptor antagonism for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine; glutamate modulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and spinocerebellar ataxia; and MPO inhibition for multiple system atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. More information about Biohaven is available at www.biohavenpharma.com.

Forward-looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of certain words, including "believe", "may" and "will" and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of Biohaven's management about NURTEC ODT as an acute treatment for patients with migraine. Forward-looking statements include those related to: Biohaven's ability to effectively commercialize NURTEC ODT, delays or problems in the supply or manufacture of NURTEC ODT, complying with applicable U.S. regulatory requirements, the expected timing, commencement and outcomes of Biohaven's planned and ongoing clinical trials, the timing of planned interactions and filings with the FDA, the timing and outcome of expected regulatory filings,  the potential commercialization of Biohaven's product candidates, the potential for Biohaven's product candidates to be first in class or best in class therapies and the effectiveness and safety of Biohaven's product candidates. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Additional important factors to be considered in connection with forward-looking statements are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2021. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and Biohaven does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

NURTEC and NURTEC ODT are registered trademarks of Biohaven Pharmaceutical Ireland DAC.

Biohaven Contact
Dr. Vlad Coric
Chief Executive Officer
Vlad.Coric@biohavenpharma.com

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SOURCE Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.

FAQ

What is NURTEC ODT and what condition does it treat?

NURTEC ODT (rimegepant) is a medication that treats acute migraines in adults.

When was NURTEC ODT approved in the UAE?

NURTEC ODT was approved by the UAE Ministry of Health on March 11, 2021.

What are the side effects of NURTEC ODT?

The most common side effect of NURTEC ODT is nausea, reported in 2% of patients.

Is NURTEC ODT indicated for preventive treatment of migraines?

No, NURTEC ODT is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraines.

Who is Biohaven's partner for the UAE launch of NURTEC ODT?

Biohaven partnered with Genpharm to launch NURTEC ODT in the UAE.