30 May 2008

Maxalt MLT Now Fully Funded For New Zealand Migraine Sufferers

The estimated 400,000[ ] New Zealanders who suffer from migraine now have another choice of fully funded medication to battle this debilitating disorder.

MAXALT MLT® is unique* in that it is formulated as a "wafer" that dissolves on the tongue and does not require water. This is good news for the many sufferers who struggle to take tablets due to nausea brought on by migraines.

MAXALT MLT 10mg is a treatment for acute migraine attacks and belongs to the class of medicines known as “triptans” (5HT1B/1D agonists).

Managing Director of Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSDNZ), Alister Brown, says "While MAXALT MLT has been available to private paying patients since February 2000; PHARMAC has now agreed to fund MAXALT MLT, without restriction. GPs prescribe approximately 250,000[ ] packs of migraine medicine each year and they will now be able to provide patients with another option for treating migraine, which is fully funded.

"Patients will also be pleased to know that clinical studies have shown MAXALT MLT works quickly (as early as 30 minutes)[ ] and MAXALT MLT relieved pain for more patients after two hours than other orally administered triptans[ ]."

Dr Leo Revell, from Hamilton's Saint Andrews Medical Centre, says, "Migraine attacks have a negative effect on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of daily life. The average migraine sufferer has up to four migraines per month with about eight percent suffering severe attacks requiring bed rest. The frequency and severity of attacks has a large impact on their ability to attend work and school.

"The full funding of MAXALT MLT should encourage doctors to re-evaluate current treatment for their patients, and it should motivate people who suffer from migraines to consult with their GPs to see if MAXALT MLT could be an option for them."

MAXALT has received regulatory approval in 69 countries around the world since the product first launched in 1998.

ENDS

* In New Zealand
TAPS Approval No: NA 2988

Please note the Abridged Product Information is contained in the following pages.