Clinical trials on a new migraine treatment based on a drug being developed for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have completed patient enrolment, it has been announced.

AZ-104 is a lower dose form of AZ-004, a drug Alexza Pharmaceuticals is exploring as a potential way for medical professionals to treat agitation in patients who are bipolar or schizophrenic

Phase II trials of the migraine regime took place at a number of centres, with 160 people who suffer from the severe headaches receiving either one of three doses – 1.25 milligram, 2.5 milligram or five milligram - of AZ-104 or a placebo.

The NHS estimates that around six million people suffer from migraines in the UK, with the condition often causing nausea and muscle stiffness.

Although some people find they experience migraines very rarely, those who have regular episodes can have their life seriously disrupted.

Researchers investigating new drugs in phase II and III clinical trials can obtain comparator drugs from Masters, a global healthcare solutions provider which can source medicines from over 200 drug manufacturers around the world.