Tonix questions effectiveness of oral migraine medications in campaign

Tonix Pharmaceuticals is taking significant steps to inform the public about a potential issue with oral migraine medications. The company is launching a national campaign to shed light on how a condition called gastroparesis might affect the effectiveness of these drugs. Tonix Medicines, the commercial arm of Tonix Pharmaceuticals, offers two formulations of sumatriptan, a medication for migraines that was originally approved over three decades ago. Tonix recently acquired an injectable version and a nasal spray, both previously approved by the FDA, in 2023.

The campaign, titled "Does Your Migraine Pill Work Every Time?" aims to raise awareness of the advantages of non-oral migraine treatments. This initiative was introduced at the PAINWeek 2024 National Conference held in Las Vegas. The campaign underscores the findings of various studies indicating a connection between gastroparesis and migraines. Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties its contents into the intestines more slowly than usual, which can lead to symptoms like vomiting. Such a condition can interfere with the absorption of oral medications, rendering them less effective.

Dr. Deborah Friedman from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has emphasized the benefits of non-oral migraine medications, such as injectables and nasal sprays. She pointed out that these alternatives do not depend on the digestive system for absorption and can provide quicker relief, sometimes within just 10 minutes. Dr. Friedman encourages both patients and healthcare providers to consider including non-oral options in their treatment strategies.

To further disseminate information, Tonix is preparing to launch a dedicated disease education website. This platform will explain the relationship between gastroparesis and migraines and highlight why oral medications may sometimes fail. In addition, the company has scheduled a webinar for the following week to discuss this topic in more detail.

Raising awareness about situations where oral drugs may not be effective could potentially boost the sales of Tonix's products. In the second quarter, the company reported sales of $2.2 million, which is relatively modest compared to larger players in the migraine market. For instance, Pfizer's Nurtec ODT, a dissolvable oral medication, achieved $356 million in sales during the same period. Similarly, AbbVie's Ubrelvy and Qulipta together generated $381 million.

In summary, Tonix Pharmaceuticals' new campaign and educational efforts are aimed at highlighting the limitations of oral migraine medications in the presence of gastroparesis and promoting the potential benefits of injectable and nasal spray formulations. This initiative not only aims to educate but also to carve out a niche for Tonix's products in a competitive market.