The nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine model is a widely accepted and highly translational preclinical platform for investigating migraine pathophysiology and evaluating novel anti-migraine therapeutics. Repeated NTG administration induces robust migraine-like phenotypes, including mechanical hypersensitivity, cephalic pain sensitization, spontaneous nocifensive behaviors, and alterations in anxiety-related behaviors, closely reflecting clinical manifestations observed in migraine patients.

PharmaLegacy has established a comprehensive migraine research platform incorporating multiple behavioral endpoints, including hindpaw mechanical allodynia, spontaneous scratching and shaking behaviors, locomotor activity assessment, and light-dark box testing. The model demonstrates reliable responsiveness to clinically effective anti-migraine agents such as sumatriptan, supporting efficacy evaluation, target validation, and mechanism-of-action studies.

To further enhance clinical translatability, PharmaLegacy has implemented periorbital von Frey testing for the assessment of cephalic mechanical hypersensitivity. This assay enables direct evaluation of trigeminal sensitization, a hallmark feature of migraine pathology, and provides a clinically relevant endpoint beyond traditional hindpaw measurements.

In addition, dedicated orofacial pain assessment platforms (OPAP) are available for quantitative evaluation of facial mechanical sensitivity and trigeminal nerve–mediated pain responses. These systems enable comprehensive characterization of craniofacial pain phenotypes and provide valuable translational endpoints for migraine, headache, and other trigeminal pain disorders.

Together with biomarker analyses and histopathological assessments, PharmaLegacy offers an integrated solution for migraine drug discovery, supporting the development of small molecules, biologics, antibodies, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and other innovative treatment modalities.