For many, the term migraine simply implies a severe headache. But for millions worldwide, it represents a debilitating condition that significantly impacts their quality of life, often resulting in absenteeism, reduced productivity, and social isolation.

As the World Health Organization ranks migraine as the sixth most common disease condition globally, there remains a significant unmet need for awareness, treatment, and understanding.

According to WHO reports, more than one billion people worldwide suffer from migraines. Yet, despite the high numbers, an alarming percentage of sufferers do not receive adequate diagnosis or treatment. In many developing nations, migraine treatment is seldom prioritized, leaving countless individuals to endure painful episodes without relief.

One of the main hurdles faced by migraine patients is the myriad of misconceptions surrounding the condition.

Notably, many still view migraines as just bad headaches.

However, in reality, they can include symptoms like sensitivity to light, nausea, and even temporary vision loss. Such misconceptions can lead to underestimation of the condition's impact, resulting in undiagnosed cases or mismanagement.

The increasing prevalence of migraine is also a concern in Korea. According to a study conducted by Yonsei University College of Medicine, the prevalence of migraine in Korea is estimated to be 6.5 percent of the total population, with a high incidence among those aged 25 to 50.

Such unmet needs and stigma have led to calls from industry and academia for a greater focus on preventive treatment for migraine.

In light of such calls, Korea Biomedical Review spoke with Michael J. Seminerio, AbbVie Senior Medical Director for Therapeutic Lead, to learn more about the migraine treatment landscape, the impact of the condition, and why preventive treatment is needed.

"Migraines are not merely limited to the borders of one nation or one demographic," Seminerio said. "While Korea is grappling with migraine issues, the challenges resonate universally as the unmet needs, the lack of awareness, and the treatment challenges are globally consistent.

Seminerio emphasized the seriousness of migraines, underscoring that it is a neurological disorder and acknowledged as one of the most disabling conditions globally.

"However, despite being such a significant health issue, the challenge remains in diagnosing and treating it aptly," he said. "Only a fraction of migraine sufferers are getting the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, and this is true for both acute and preventive treatments."

This underlines the need for updated treatment guidelines and robust research to cater to the needs of patients universally, he added.

The AbbVie senior medical lead stressed that this is why the company has decided to take charge to address such global migraine issues.

"For over a decade, we've been diligently observing the unmet needs concerning migraine," he said. "We're investing in educating doctors, patients, and caregivers, and the message we're reinforcing is clear - a migraine is not just a simple headache, but a severe neurological ailment."

Emphasizing the difference between a typical headache and a migraine, Seminerio explained, "Consider migraines as a neurological disorder with headaches as one of its symptoms."

Seminerio stressed that it is essential to understand that migraines involve more than just headaches, as sensitivity to light, sound, and even scents is common among sufferers.

"This sensitivity can be accompanied by depression, anxiety, and a variety of other issues," he said. "Still, the journey to a correct diagnosis is fraught with challenges."

Seminerio touched upon the global scenario and the parallels with Korea.

"In many cases, it takes years for patients to get a correct diagnosis as they hop from one clinic to another," he said. "Often, the first contact for these patients, which are primary care doctors, may lack an in-depth understanding of migraines, leading to misdiagnoses."

Diagnosis is the first step for effective treatment

"Migraines are typically categorized as episodic or chronic based on the frequency of their occurrence," Seminerio emphasized. "Episodic migraines occur less than 14 days a month, while chronic migraines span over 15 days a month."

As a result, diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment, he added

Seminerio also pointed out the distinction between acute and preventive treatments.

"While all migraine patients necessitate acute treatment, preventive measures are reserved for those with more frequent attacks," he said. "These guidelines were developed in collaboration with global migraine leaders, taking cues from the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)."

When asked about initiatives to enhance migraine awareness, Seminerio elaborated on AbbVie's comprehensive approach by saying, "In addition to partnering with patient advocacy groups, we recognize the need to directly support patients in all conceivable ways."

It's not only about decreasing the frequency of migraine days but also comprehending how migraines affect an individual's daily life, he added.

Seminerio remarked that the sentiment "No two patients are the same," frequently mentioned by AbbVie's medical hierarchy, perfectly encapsulates the complexities of migraine management.

"Migraines have high heterogeneity," he said. "Triggers can differ for everyone. Some might get an attack from a glass of wine, while others could react to specific foods or stress."

Additionally, how patients perceive their pain and its subsequent relief varies widely, he added.

Addressing the future of migraine treatment, Seminerio highlighted some encouraging advancements.

"We've seen significant strides in the efficacy, safety, and delivery methods of treatment options," he said. "Intriguingly, the discovery of CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) and its role in migraines has ushered in a new era of targeted treatments, benefitting patients who previously didn't respond to traditional medications."

AbbVie's becomes a leader in migraine field with Allergan merger

Seminerio stressed that the merger with Allergan has brought forth a promising horizon for migraine sufferers.

"All of AbbVie's current migraine treatment portfolio was acquired through the merger with Allergan," Seminerio said. "With the AbbVie-Allergan merger, a robust global leader in the migraine field has emerged."

However, Seminerio believes that, in addition to the depth of the product portfolio, collaboration with key partners and substantial investments in the field further underscore AbbVie's commitment.

"In a world where patient care remains paramount, AbbVie's commitment to research ensures that a vast number of patients can access appropriate medication for their treatment," he said. "Our ongoing research initiatives are critical, but our current goal is to ensure that many patients can benefit from the right medication."

Ultimately, our goal is to increase the number of migraine-free days for patients, allowing them a comfortable daily life, he added.