Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) has granted registration approvals to two innovative drugs: AbbVie’s (NYSE: ABBV) analgesic Aquipta (atogepant) and Novartis’ (NYSE: NVS) cancer therapy Piqray (alpelisib). This marks a significant milestone for both companies, expanding access to these treatments in the Mexican market.
Aquipta: A New Option for Migraine Prevention
Aquipta, an oral drug, is indicated as a preventive treatment for episodic migraine. It works by antagonizing the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, competing with CGRP, which is known to be correlated with migraine events. This mechanism of action offers a new approach to managing migraines, potentially improving the quality of life for patients suffering from this condition.
Piqray: Targeting PI3K in Breast Cancer Treatment
Piqray tablets are approved for the treatment of breast cancer. The drug inhibits the activity of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), an enzyme whose unregulated activation, linked to gain-of-function mutations in its gene, drives tumor growth. This targeted therapy offers a new option for breast cancer patients, particularly those with specific genetic mutations associated with the disease.
Market Implications and Regional Approvals
According to Fineline Info & Tech analysis, Mexico is the first Latin American market to approve AbbVie’s Aquipta, highlighting the country’s role in pioneering access to innovative therapies in the region. Novartis’s Piqray is also registered in other Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Panama, demonstrating the broad regional interest in advancing cancer treatments.-Fineline Info & Tech
