Lilly scores big win with expanded approval for migraine treatment

For the first time ever, the FDA has approved a medication to treat cluster headaches. The nod was given to Emgality, an Eli Lilly and Co. drug that has already been approved to treat migraines. 

Emgality belongs to a new class of headache drugs called CGRP inhibitors. In the last year, several other CGRP inhibitors have hit the market, such as Amgen’s Aimovig and Teva’s Ajovy, offering new hope to migraine sufferers and creating fierce competition in the market. The Emgality nod is expected to give the drug a competitive edge. 

Around 250,000 Americans suffer from cluster headaches, which are characterized by strong headaches that occur several times a day. The condition is slightly more prevalent among men. 

Emgality is administered as a once-a-month injection. 

Read the full Reuters report.