There are now 4 monoclonal antibodies that block calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor in clinical trials. A post-hoc analysis of a phase II trial, which was reported in Lancet Neurology, November 2015, and showed positive results, now found that the highest dose of the medication shows an effect within the first 3 days on the number of headache hours. The second highest dose showed this effect within a week.
Current teaching is that migraine preventative medications are slow to work and may require a 2- to 3-month course. This is the first drug that has shown an effect for migraine within the first 2 weeks. Not only does this improve patients’ quality of life but will likely improve compliance if they perceive the medication to be working.
The product, named TEV-48125, is given by subcutaneous injection monthly. It is now in phase III clinical trials.
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