Burden of migraine and impact of emerging therapies on managed care

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological condition with substantial impact on individuals through associated complications, comorbidities, and increased healthcare costs. The burden on society is likewise substantial via increased healthcare costs and greater indirect costs, such as lost productivity. Research about the pathophysiology of migraine has led to the introduction of a new class of drugs, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. Current drugs in this class are biologics, which are often accompanied by high prices. A highly competitive and rapidly evolving market landscape is being shaped by biopharmaceutical manufacturers and managed care payers. With an understanding of the societal impact of migraine and the potential impact of CGRP biologics, healthcare providers and managed care professionals should be prepared to develop policies and procedures to ensure appropriate patient access to new therapies.