Could Khloe Kardashian soon be reaching out to sinusitis sufferers?
Kardashian, a celebrity spokesperson for New Haven’s Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, currently endorses the company’s Nurtec ODT for migraine in ads. The drug will soon be tested for use against sinus congestion and pain, the company announced Tuesday.
Biohaven has launched enrollment for a Phase 2/3 clinical trial of a 75 mg dose of Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, or long-term inflammation of the nasal cavities and sinuses.
About 200 patients at 25 sites across the U.S. will take part in the study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial scheduled to be completed by February 2023.
Rimegepant, an oral calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, could have benefits in treatment of rhinosinusitis, as research suggests CGRP is a factor in the disease.
Chronic rhinosinusitis, defined as inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks, affects approximately 5-12% of the general population, according to a statement by Biohaven. Symptoms include facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose and decreased sense of smell.
Biohaven Medical Director Dr. Daniel Franjic said, “Chronic rhinosinusitis remains an area of significant healthcare burden to patients, with a high unmet need for disease-specific interventions.
“CGRP is hypothesized to play a role in the pathophysiology of sinus congestion and pain,” Franjic continued. “We are excited to explore the potential of a novel therapeutic option for patients.”
Biohaven’s flagship drug, Nurtec performed well as a treatment for migraine in a recent clinical trial in China and South Korea, opening the path to sales in Asian markets.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
