The 4th International Headache Academy (IHA) was held Jan. 20-22 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center in Los Angeles, with Allergan as a supporter.
The International Headache Academy was created to inspire young physicians to commit to research in headache medicine. The education and mentorship program targets senior neurology residents, headache medicine fellows and M.D. or Ph.D. clinicians and researchers who have recently completed their training.
During the intensive three-day academy, attendees receive an intensive overview of the latest research and treatment options for those suffering from chronic headaches and migraines. The program also includes a focus on future research priorities, the importance of advocating for patients, the validation of potential targets for drugs, and the emergence of new treatments for headaches.
Allergan, which was named a “notable newbie” by Forbes in a 2016 review of the world’s largest drug and biotech companies, has pledged its support for the academy's efforts, and reiterated its commitment to headache medicine and treatment.
"Allergan is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by headache disorders. Beyond advancing research and treatment options, we share a similar goal with IHA – to raise the level of education among headache experts and improve patient care," said David Nicholson, Chief R&D Officer at Allergan said in a statement issued by the company. "The more knowledge and support neurologists have, the better equipped they will be to help patients make critical decisions about their health."
Allergan, which is known for treatment of chronic migraines, and is the maker of Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) , which was the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved preventive treatment for adults with chronic migraines. It has remained the sole-approved treatment since its approval in 2010.
The pharmaceutical company continues to advance migraine prevention and care with investigational medications including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists, which are currently in development. Allergan expects its research to yield the first oral CGRP receptor antagonists on the market.
"IHA is committed to developing and nurturing future leaders in headache medicine," Dr. David Dodick, chair of the American Migraine Foundation and president of the International Headache Society, said in a statement released by Allergan. "We are inspired by our attendees' commitment to raising their level of education and improving patient care and are grateful to Allergan for their involvement."
Allergan is headquartered in Ireland and provides pharmaceutical treatments around the globe.
