The Importance of Pediatric Clinical Trials for Migraine

November 24, 2021

Migraine is a debilitating neurological disease that occurs in approximately four to 11 percent of elementary school-aged children and eight to 15 percent of high school-aged children. Migraine is often undiagnosed in this patient population because they have a more difficult time understanding and expressing their pain.

Children with migraine may look ill and pale, may feel dizzy, have blurred vision, and fever. Nausea and vomiting are frequent, particularly in young children. Children with migraine tend to avoid light (photophobia), noise (phonophobia), strong odors, and movement.

Some of the feedback we hear from children with migraine include:

  • Feelings of isolation resulting from their friends not understanding what is wrong
  • Struggles in school because they frequently need to stay home
  • Significant additional stress from managing their condition

Unfortunately, limited treatment options for migraine are available for children today. However, there are currently ongoing clinical trials in in this population that are helping to further clinical research to develop new and improved treatment options for the pediatric migraine community. Clinical trials provide an opportunity for patients to help advance scientific knowledge, potentially receive a new treatment option before it becomes widely available and have access to healthcare monitoring and care above and beyond the standard of care.

Biohaven Pharmaceuticals is currently conducting a clinical research study evaluating the safety and efficacy of rimegepant for the acute treatment of migraine in children. Rimegepant is approved by the FDA to treat migraine and prevent episodic migraine in adults.

Biohaven Pharmaceuticals is looking for children who meet the following criteria, who may be eligible to participate:

  • Between the ages of 12 to 17
  • Have at least 1 migraine each month
  • Have the ability to distinguish between migraine and other types of headaches
  • Have at least a 6-month history of migraine
  • Weigh ≥ 88 lbs. at the screening visit

For more information or to find a study center near you, visit PediatricMigraineStudy.com.