Recordati has announced the signing of a semi-exclusive licensing agreement with Menarini, the leading Italian pharmaceutical group, for the marketing of frovatriptan, a drug belonging to the triptan class indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura, in France and Greece. Frovatriptan is a novel selective serotonin 5Ht1b/1d receptor agonist. The analgesic benefit is obtained thanks to the activation of the serotonergic receptors which results in a vasoconstriction of the intracranial vessels, in the non-release of inflammatory neuropeptides and in a reduced transmission at the level of the perivascular nerve terminals of the trigeminal system. A peculiar feature of frovatriptan is its long half-life (about 26 hours), which ensures a long-lasting clinical effect and a reduction in the incidence of relapses. The product is already approved in the markets covered by the license and is marketed by Menarini under another brand. Recordati intends to launch its brand in these countries in the coming months. Market press dated 02/18/2008
