The start of 2026 marks further progress for access to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) medications for Kiwis, with the launch of fremanezumab (Ajovy) in New Zealand this month.
Ajovy is the fourth anti-CGRP medication now available in New Zealand. Like the other two injectable CGRP monoclonal antibody medications (Emgality and Aimovig), Ajovy is administered by subcutaneous injection (an injection just under the skin). However Ajovy is the only injectable with two dosing options – either one injection (225mg) once a month, or three injections (675mg) every three months. Ajovy doesn’t require a loading dose.
Ajovy is unfunded, however it was added to Pharmac’s Options for Investment list in late 2025, joining the other anti-CGRP medications Emgality, Aimovig and Aquipta.
Ajovy is available via prescription. General Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners can prescribe Ajovy, you don’t need a prescription from a neurologist. The Medsafe Data Sheet states that Ajovy should be initiated by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of migraine. Ajovy is available from any pharmacy throughout New Zealand as both CDC Pharmaceuticals and ProPharma are suppliers.
Ajovy costs around $300–$330 per 225mg/1.5ml injection.
As this is a new medication in New Zealand, many health professionals and pharmacies won’t be aware of its availability.
We know that the price of Emgality (available in NZ since September 2022) can vary between pharmacies so it can pay to phone around a few local pharmacies to find the best price. Our online private Facebook support group is also a great place to find out what prices people are paying and which pharmacies they recommend.
About calcitonin-gene related peptide medications
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies are the first medications developed specifically to prevent migraine.
CGRP is a small protein involved in the cascade of events that lead to a migraine attack. CGRP helps transmit pain signals in the brain, ramp up inflammation and dilate blood vessels. The CGRP monoclonal antibodies block this protein, by either binding to CGRP itself or binding to the receptor sites found in some parts of the nervous system such as the trigeminal nerve, effectively turning off its ability to stimulate the neurological dysfunction that is a migraine attack.
Our advocacy continues for funding of anti-CGRP medications
Since our charity launch in April 2022 we’ve remained committed to advocating for funding of anti-CGRP medications. Through our ongoing efforts all four migraine-specific preventive medications available in New Zealand (Aimovig, Emgality, Aquipta and Ajovy) sit on Pharmac’s Options for Investment list, its top priority funding list of medications it would like to fund but doesn’t have the budget to do so. Some of our recent advocacy work includes:
- Bringing the migraine voice to Parliament
- Meeting with Ministers
- Modern migraine medications added to Pharmac’s Options for Investment list
- Inaugural NZ Medicine Access Summit
- Neurological Advisory Committee meeting presentation
You can also read our numerous submissions to Pharmac on our Submissions page. Our most recent submission requested that Pharmac consider funding all of the anti-CGRP medications, so as not to disadvantage any person with migraine in NZ who may respond to only one of these or need to switch between them if the effectiveness wans.
We are steadfast in our resolve that access to anti-CGRP medications must be funded in New Zealand and available to everyone who needs them. Through your support we can continue to empower Kiwis to live better with migraine and continue to improve the migraine landscape in Aotearoa.
Please become a regular donor to support us so we can continue to support and advocate on your behalf.
Fremanezumab resources
The Ajovy New Zealand website has more information about Ajovy, including resources such as a step-by-step injecting guide, patient information booklet and a migraine diary.
