CGRP-targeting migraine treatment: What's its mechanism of action?
New Migraine Treatments Offer Novel Approaches
In a significant development for migraine sufferers, a new class of medications targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is providing novel preventive and, in some cases, acute treatment options. These medications, known as CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants, are offering relief for those struggling with the debilitating condition.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibodies, including erenumab-aooe (Aimovig), fremanezumab-vfrm (Ajovy), galcanezumab, and eptinezumab-jjmr (Vyepti). Among these, Ajovy stands out as the only CGRP monoclonal antibody approved for both pediatric and adult migraine prevention, expanding treatment options to younger patients.
Eptinezumab (Vyepti) is administered via intravenous infusion every 3 months, while gepants like atogepant and rimegepant are available in oral tablet form. These agents offer different administration routes and frequencies compared to traditional therapies, providing more convenience for patients.
Fremanezumab (Ajovy), for example, is approved for preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults and children aged 6 years and older who weigh at least 45 kg. Eptinezumab and the CGRP monoclonal antibodies erenumab and galcanezumab are approved for migraine prevention in adults. Atogepant and rimegepant are used for preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults.
Research suggests an association between higher levels of CGRP and migraine. CGRP plays a role in dilating blood vessels and the transmission of pain. By blocking the action of CGRP, these medications may help relieve migraine pain and prevent migraine attacks.
Anti-CGRPs have a similar level of effectiveness to other migraine treatments but typically carry a lower risk of side effects. However, as many CGRP antagonists require administration by injection, there could be pain at the injection site.
It's important to note that there is limited safety information on taking CGRP-blocking medications during pregnancy, so doctors are unlikely to suggest this treatment for pregnant women. Individuals take gepants at the onset of migraine pain to give immediate relief.
People usually see a benefit from CGRP medications within 1 month, with many noticing a significant reduction in migraine days within 1-4 weeks. These novel treatments offer hope for those struggling with migraines, providing new options for prevention and relief.
| Medication Type | Name | FDA Approval Details | |---------------------|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | CGRP monoclonal Ab | Fremanezumab (Ajovy) | Preventive in adults and children ≥6 years (≥45 kg) | | CGRP monoclonal Ab | Eptinezumab (Vyepti) | Preventive in adults | | CGRP monoclonal Ab | Erenumab | Preventive in adults | | CGRP monoclonal Ab | Galcanezumab | Preventive in adults | | Gepants (CGRP antagonists) | Atogepant | Preventive in adults | | Gepants (CGRP antagonists) | Rimegepant | Acute and preventive in adults |
These agents provide novel preventive (and in rimegepant’s case, also acute) migraine treatment options, offering a promising future for migraine management.
- Seekers of novel migraine treatment strategies are now benefiting from a new class of medications, known as CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants.
- These treatments, such as Ajovy, Vyepti, and Aimovig, are being hailed for their role in providing relief to individuals struggling with migraine.
- Ajovy, in particular, is unique as it is the only CGRP monoclonal antibody approved for both pediatric and adult migraine prevention.
- The development of these treatments offers a contrast to traditional therapies, with some, like atogepant and rimegepant, available in oral tablet form.
- These agents, including eptinezumab, erenumab, and galcanezumab, provide different administration routes and frequencies, offering greater convenience for patients.
- Research indicates a link between high levels of protein CGRP and the onset of migraines, with CGRP playing a role in the dilation of blood vessels and pain transmission.
- By targeting and inhibiting CGRP, these treatments may help reduce migraine pain and even prevent attacks, offering a promising solution for those dealing with the debilitating condition.
- As these treatments become more widespread, they could potentially revolutionize the way neurological disorders, mental health, and health-and-wellness therapies and treatments approach migraine management.
