Nation IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : New Migraine Drug Reported Effective

A new drug appears to be highly effective against migraine headaches, according to results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. The drug, Sumatriptan succinate, mimics the action of the natural brain chemical seratonin, causing arteries to constrict. (Migraines are associated with dilated cranial arteries.) Glaxo Inc. of Research Triangle Park, N.C., maker of the drug and sponsor of the research, is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval to market it in the United States, a company spokesman said. In the trials, 734 migraine sufferers were given injections of the drug when they had a headache and 370 others received a placebo. After one hour, 70% of those on the drug said their severe pain was eased or eliminated, compared to 22% of the control group.