SK chemicals launches 1st combo migraine treatment in Korea

SK chemicals said it launched the first combination migraine treatment, Suvexx, in Korea. The drug combines two active ingredients—sumatriptan, a triptan commonly used for migraine relief, and naproxen sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Suvexx received regulatory approval for the acute treatment of migraines with or without prior symptoms in adults aged 18 and older in August 2023.

Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

The condition is thought to be triggered by various factors, including the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), as well as inflammation within the brain.

Sumatriptan works by reducing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can cause blood vessels in the brain to dilate, leading to migraine pain. Naproxen sodium, on the other hand, suppresses neuroinflammation, providing a comprehensive approach to managing the different underlying causes of migraines.

The approval follows the company’s clinical trial involving 1,461 migraine patients.

In the study, Suvexx demonstrated superior efficacy compared to sumatriptan alone. Two hours after administration, 65 percent of patients in the Suvexx group reported headache relief, compared to 55 percent in the sumatriptan-only group.

Also, 48 percent of patients in the Suvexx group remained pain-free for 24 hours, compared to 35 percent in the sumatriptan group.

The company plans to promote Suvexx's enhanced treatment efficacy and convenience over single-ingredient sumatriptan, aiming for rapid adoption of the combination therapy.

The company also intends to broaden its migraine treatment portfolio by offering differentiated solutions, including its existing migraine drug, Migard, which contains frovatriptan.

SK chemicals stressed that it aims to capture 30 percent of the market by 2028. According to IQVIA, a drug market research organization, the acute migraine treatment market in Korea was valued at approximately 23 billion won in 2023.

"Managing migraines is not just about relieving pain, as it’s about improving patients’ quality of life, which is often severely impacted by this condition," said Kim Yoon-ho, head of the company's pharmaceutical business. "We are committed to developing and providing superior treatment options that offer greater convenience and effectiveness for those suffering from migraines."