KARACHI, The escalating prices of medications and treatments for neurological disorders are posing a significant hurdle not just in Pakistan but around the world. Renowned neurophysician and President of the Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, voiced this concern at the South Asian Migraine Management Advisory Board meeting held in Hong Kong.
According to Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan, the advisory board gathering delved into the potential of a new category of medications designed to diminish and address migraine attacks. The attendees emphasized that migraines shouldn’t be dismissed as mere headaches. They are, in fact, incapacitating ailments tied to a substantial worldwide disease burden. A 2019 survey revealed that migraines afflict 1.1 billion people globally, resulting in 42.1 million disability-adjusted life years. This data underscores migraines as the second leading cause of disability, especially among women aged 15-49 globally.
The newly introduced treatments, recognized as CGRP antagonist monoclonal antibodies, exhibit a unique mechanism of action. These antibodies counteract CGRPs, minuscule molecules identified as being released during migraine episodes. Many of these antibody treatments are administered through injections and come with hefty price tags. For instance, eptinezumab, an intravenous medication given quarterly to ward off migraine attacks, costs a staggering $1,708 (equivalent to roughly 4.75 lac PKR) for a 100mg dose.
Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui asserted the necessity of such drugs in Pakistan and the imperative need for devising drug subsidies and financing plans. She urged the advisory board to innovate ways to introduce these medications to countries like Pakistan, Taiwan, and the Philippines in a cost-efficient manner, aiming to aid those who may not be able to afford them. While these drugs exhibit potential in alleviating the suffering of countless individuals, their exorbitant prices restrict their use to a mere 1-2% of patients. “Without a thoughtful policy in place, 99% of individuals will remain bereft of these modern therapies. It’s inconceivable to possess such beneficial treatments yet deny patients access,” she remarked.
Additionally, Dr. Siddiqui highlighted the use of anti-epileptic drugs in managing specific migraine episodes, pointing out the overlap between the two conditions. She emphasized the treatability of this intricate ailment provided accurate diagnoses are made and medications are made accessible to all. She flagged the mounting prices and the acute scarcity of drugs in Pakistan as an emerging crisis necessitating immediate intervention.