What Will Help Eli Lilly Build a Stronger Migraine Portfolio?

Lasmiditan is a serotonin receptor agonist under investigation for the treatment of individuals with acute migraine headaches.

In September 2017, Eli Lilly (LLY) presented the results of its phase-3 Spartan trial, in which Lasmiditan demonstrated statistically significant progress in the treatment of migraine headaches compared to placebo.

In the phase-3 Spartan study, two hours after the first dose, a higher percentage of patients on Lasmiditan therapy experienced relief from migraine pain compared with placebo. In the same trial, 59%, 64.8%, and 65.5% of patients on Lasmiditan 50 mg, Lasmiditan 100 mg, and Lasmiditan 200 mg, respectively, experienced mild or no migraine pain, compared with 47.7% of patients on placebo therapy.

In the phase-3 Spartan trial, a statistically higher number of patients on Lasmiditan therapy demonstrated relief from migraines associated with the MBS (most bothersome symptom), compared with patients on placebo therapy. In the same trial, 40.8%, 44.2%, and 48.7% of patients on Lasmiditan 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg, respectively, experienced relief from migraines associated with MBS, compared with 33.5% patients on placebo therapy.

Eli Lilly has plans to submit NDA (new drug application) to the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) for Lasmiditan in 2H18. According to Migraine Research Foundation, migraines are the third-most prevalent health condition and sixth-most disabling illness in the world. A study estimated that 2% of the world’s population is affected by chronic migraines.

Eli Lilly’s peers in migraine drug market include Amgen, Merck (MRK), Allergan (AGN), Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Alder Biopharmaceuticals (ALDR). Notably, the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) invests ~0.70% of its total portfolio holdings in LLY.