MONTREAL, Quebec — August 4, 2026 — Leads & Copy — AbbVie announced today that Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) has recommended UBRELVY® (ubrogepant) be reimbursed with conditions by public drug plans for the acute treatment of migraine in adults.
The recommendation is for adults with a history of migraine attacks with moderate to severe pain, with or without aura. This decision is supported by evidence from the pivotal Phase 3 ACHIEVE I and ACHIEVE II studies, which examined pain freedom, pain relief, and freedom from the most bothersome migraine-associated symptoms.
Migraine is a complex neurological disease that affects an estimated 5 million Canadians, with the highest prevalence observed in women and individuals in their 30s and 40s. UBRELVY® (ubrogepant) is an oral calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, also known as a gepant, indicated for the acute treatment of migraine.
Dr. Vanessa Doyle, MD, FRCPC, an Ottawa-based neurologist specializing in headache medicine, stated that the availability of an additional migraine-specific acute treatment option offers healthcare professionals more flexibility in developing treatment plans for eligible patients. She noted that this recommendation is a significant step toward supporting more personalized migraine care in Canada.
The CDA-AMC recommendation was developed with input from Canadian clinicians and patient organizations, including Migraine Canada, Migraine Québec, and the Canadian Migraine Society. This collaborative approach ensured that the perspectives of individuals living with migraine were considered during the review process.
Wendy Gerhart, Executive Director of Migraine Canada, commented that people living with migraine often try various treatments over years before finding one that is effective. She emphasized that having additional treatment options is crucial, and this recommendation signifies progress in improving access to therapies that can help individuals better manage their attacks and lead fuller lives.
Tanu Misra, General Manager of AbbVie Canada, stated that the recommendation reflects AbbVie’s dedication to improving the lives of those affected by migraine, a condition that can be functionally debilitating and significantly impact a person’s ability to work, participate in daily activities, and live life fully. Misra expressed appreciation for the collaborative review process by the CDA-AMC and reiterated AbbVie’s commitment to working with governments and healthcare partners to enhance access and care pathways for Canadians experiencing migraine.
Migraine is characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate-to-severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can disrupt daily activities and are a substantial cause of disability globally.
AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that address serious health issues and medical challenges. The company focuses on key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, as well as its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
Source: AbbVie Canada
