Biohaven Pharmaceuticals is collaborating with Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City to test whether one of its migraine drugs can treat the chronic skin condition plaque psoriasis.
The New Haven biotech announced this week that Dr. Richard Granstein, chair of dermatology at Weill Cornell, will begin an investigator-led clinical trial using one of Biohaven’s CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) antagonists.
The trial will explore whether treatment with rimegepant (sold as Nurtec ODT) for 16 weeks will ease the severity and reduce the size of the affected area, according to Biohaven. The study will also look at the drug’s impact on itch and patients’ quality-of-life.
CGRP antagonists are the newest entrants in the migraine treatment space and work by blocking a chemical that transmits pain.
Biohaven has two in its pipeline, Nurtec ODT, which won Food and Drug administration approval in February, and zavegepant, which is in late-stage clinical trials.
Biohaven said Granstein’s research suggests that the neuropeptide CGRP may play a critical role in plaque psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease that affects as many as eight million people in the U.S.
The disease causes cells to develop rapidly on the skin, leading to formation of thick, scaly and often painful plaques that bleed and itch.
According to recent research, CGRP contributes to the regulation of immune and inflammatory processes within the skin.
Coric said “this scientific foundation combined with a recognized need for more safe and effective treatment options” for people with the condition inspired the collaboration.
The trial is expected to begin within the next two weeks, according to a Biohaven spokesman.
This story was updated to include additional details from Biohaven
Contact Natalie Missakian at news@newhavenbiz.com