Anti-CGRP drugs for Migraine Prevention

Amgen recently reported the results of the 12-week, 246 patient, Phase III LIBERTY trial, where more resistant episodic migraine patients treated with erenumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) receptor, had a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days than placebo.  These results were similar to the Phase III ARISE and STRIVE trials.  The PUDFA date for erenumab is set for May 17.   

CGRP is a neuropeptide that has both cerebral arteriolar dilating and pain modulation properties.  Decreasing CGRP is thought to increase inhibitory mechanisms which decreases the occurrence of migraine headaches.

There are three other monoclonal antibodies in development that decrease migraines by binding directly to CGRP: eptinezumab, fremanezumab and galcanezumab. I reviewed this class of drugs along with the small molecule CGRP receptor antagonist, atogepant, in Hospital Pharmacy last year. 

You can review up-to-date information on anti-CGRP drugs with the Prescribe Right Pharmaceutical Pipeline Tracker.