Monoclonal Antibodies for Migraine Treatment. What do Brazilian Patients Want from them, Know about them and How Much Would they Pay for them?

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CGRP are a new hope for migraine. Better adherence rates, good tolerability and effectiveness have been demonstrated. As of this writing, two has been approved in Brazil and one is likely to be shortly, but none are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate among migraineurs being treated in a tertiary center what patients want from them, know about them and how much would they pay for them? Patients with episodic migraine were interviewed about their current treatment, satisfaction, expectations and knowledge about the use of mAbs for migraine and willingness to pay for it. Seventy-nine migraine patients (67 women and 12 men) were evaluated. Regarding the use of daily preventive medications, 34.2% of the patients were very satisfied, while 65.8% were unsatisfied with such intake. The mAbs were known as migraine prophylactic treatment by 48.1% of the patients. If they could eliminate headache attacks, 77.2% of patients would switch to this new option, regardless of price and route of administration. Regarding willingness to pay, 40.5% of patients would spend US$ 250, while 59.5% up to US$ 450 each month. The mAbs are still unknown to more than half of migraine patients, despite its current treatment in a headache clinic, but two-thirds of patients would change to these pharmacological agents, even injectable and more expensive if proven more effective.