New Sumatriptan Intranasal Spray Launch Announced

An intranasal form of sumatriptan (Tosymra Nasal Spray; Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Maple Grove, MN), approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year, has been launched for acute treatment of migraine attack with or without aura in adults. 

This is a new strength of sumatriptan with a novel mechanism of action that delivers sumatriptan 10mg intranasally and achieves median peak plasma concentration 5 minutes faster than injectable sumatriptan, 4 mg and 6 mg. 

In clinical trials, this formulation also had a significantly higher rates and extents of absorption compared previously available sumatriptan nasal spray (Imitrex; GSK, Triangle Research Park, NC ), which is given as a 20 mg dose.

The recommended dose is 1 spray (10 mg); if pain control is not achieved at 1 hour, up to 2 additional doses, taken at least 1 hour apart, may be used up to a maximum of 3 doses/24 hours. Individuals with commercial insurance may be eligible for Upsher-Smith’s Access Pathways Program, through which a savings card may make this formulation of sumatriptan available for as little as $0 per prescription.

"Many patients face challenges during migraine attacks that make available acute treatment options inadequate,” said Rusty Field, president and CEO, Upsher-Smith. “Tosymra Nasal Spray offers an alternative for patients whose symptoms interfere with taking oral medication or who may be dissatisfied with their current treatment regimen."