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In a new study, researchers detailed a potential new treatment option for migraine pain. The team reported that their novel prochlorperazine nasal spray formulation shows promise.

For this study, the researchers headed by Venkata Yellepeddi, Ph.D from Roseman University of Health Sciences, set out to create a new form of treatment for migraine pain, which affects about 37 million Americans. The Migraine Research Foundation reported that migraine is one of the top 20 world's most disabling medical conditions. Migraines can lead to severe pain that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity. These symptoms can last anywhere from four to 72 hours.

Yellepeddi and his team created a preservative-free prochlorperazine nasal spray. Prochlorperazine, which is a dopamine receptor antagonist, has been used to treat nausea. However, evidence suggested that this type of medication could also relieve pain better than sumatriptan, metoclopramide and ketorolac, which are all anti-migraine drugs.

"Currently, there are no marketed nasal spray formulations of prochlorperazine available for the treatment of migraine. Prochlorperazine is only available in tablet form, which has delayed onset of action." Yellepeddi said according to the press release.

So far, the team has tested the spray's stability and found that it can remain stable for up to 120 days. The next step for the team is to test the spray in animal models.

The research was presented at the 2014 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition that took place in San Diego, CA from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6.