File this headline under something I definitely didn't expect to see.

Merck Suffers Blow Developing New Migraine Drug

Telcagepant has been eagerly anticipated by many of us in the migraine world as a possible alternative to triptans and ergotamines for treating viscious migraine attacks. Now it seems Merck has decided against its long-held intention to seek FDA approval of the drug this year. Some speculate it may even completely abandon the product.

What happened?

The problem: some patients participating in an exploratory study gauging whether the drug could be taken daily to prevent migraines developed high levels of liver enzymes. The company stopped the study and is reviewing data from another study, said Peter Kim, Merck’s research chief. Meantime, it is moving ahead with studies of the drug’s intermittent use to treat migraine attacks.

Content by Diana E. Lee.