Cypriot Suffers from 'Suicide Headache': Fight for Life-Saving Drug

A 34-year-old Cypriot, Stylianos Michael, is battling cluster headaches, also known as 'suicide headaches.' The condition began in his childhood and was diagnosed at age 25.

Stylianos was forced to seek treatment abroad, finding a monoclonal antibody drug in England that helps manage the pain. However, the cost is £500 per month, an unbearable amount for him and his family.

A request for the drug's provision was submitted by his treating physicians to the Naming Requests Committee of the Ministry of Health, but it was rejected twice because it is not approved by the European Medicines Agency for this indication.

Dr. Michael Vikelis, a neurologist, points out that monoclonal antibody drugs are the most suitable for treating cluster headaches in advanced stages, with one particular drug having proven efficacy and approval in the US, but not in the EU.

In Cyprus, dozens of patients suffer from cluster headaches.