The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively engaging with pharmaceutical companies to address an impending shortage of a critical migraine treatment. This follows the UK-based GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK; NYSE: GSK) decision to discontinue the production of Imitrex (sumatriptan) nasal spray from January 31, 2024. The move has prompted concerns over the availability of effective migraine treatments in the US market.
Tosymra Steps in to Meet Demand
In response to this development, local pharmaceutical firm Tonix Pharmaceuticals has committed to increasing production of its bioequivalent product, Tosymra, to accommodate the anticipated surge in demand. This proactive step by Tonix Pharmaceuticals is aimed at mitigating the impact of Imitrex’s discontinuation on patients who rely on this medication for migraine relief.
Generalized Undersupply and Its Impact
The announcement of Imitrex’s discontinuation and the subsequent efforts to increase Tosymra’s production come amidst a broader context of undersupply of medicines in the country. The crisis has led to drug rationing and treatment delays, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain and the need for robust contingency plans to ensure continuous access to essential medications.-Fineline Info & Tech
