AbbVie’s Aquipta (atogepant) has been recommended by NICE as an option for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults, provided patients have previously tried at least two triptans that did not work well enough, or could not take them, and had insufficient response to NSAIDs and paracetamol.
The decision follows MHRA marketing authorisation granted in April 2026. Suitable patients in England and Wales are now expected to gain access to the oral treatment on the NHS.
Migraine affects around 10 million adults in the UK and is often misunderstood despite symptoms that can include moderate to severe head pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The condition also carries a significant economic burden, with lost productivity estimated at £8.8 billion each year.
Rob Music, CEO at the Migraine Trust, said: “Access to appropriate care for people with migraine can be seriously inconsistent, creating a postcode lottery. Many people with migraine tell us they have struggled to access treatments or had to wait a long time before they could see a specialist. This is concerning because those living with migraine typically try a number of medicines before finding what works best for them.
“That is why it is so important that there are a variety of treatments available and clinicians have clear guidance on how they should be prescribed. We therefore welcome today’s update from NICE, which adds an additional treatment option for eligible migraine patients.”
Professor Alex Sinclair, Professor of Neurology at the University of Birmingham and Chair of the British Association for the Study of Headache Council, said: “The NICE recommendation means an additional treatment option for suitable individuals experiencing acute migraine attacks. This treatment option will allow clinicians to consider a wider range of approaches when managing acute migraine.”
The recommendation is supported by the phase 3 Eclipse study, in which 24.3% of patients treated with atogepant achieved pain freedom at two hours post dose during the first migraine attack, compared with 13.1% for placebo.
Rachael Millward, Medical Director, AbbVie UK, said: “Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can have a profound impact on quality of life, leading to social withdrawal and missed work. AbbVie remains committed to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by people living with this condition.
“This NICE recommendation will enable eligible patients in England and Wales access to an acute treatment option for the treatment of their migraine attacks”
