Migraine Antibodies May Also Help With Chemotherapy-Induced Appetite Loss and Weight Loss
Anti-CGRP antibodies approved for migraine reached the rat brain and reduced food aversion memories and chemotherapy-induced anorexia.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Systemically administered anti-CGRP migraine antibodies reached the brain and counteracted food aversion memories and chemotherapy-induced weight loss in rats.
Key Numbers
Systemic anti-CGRP mAbs reached rat brain. Counteracted food aversive memories and chemotherapy-induced anorexia/weight loss. Partially reduced fear responses. Unable to prevent liraglutide-induced anorexia.
How They Did This
In vivo rat study testing systemic anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies on food aversion, chemotherapy-induced anorexia, and fear responses.
Why This Research Matters
Cancer cachexia and chemotherapy-induced anorexia are devastating — repurposing existing migraine drugs could provide a new treatment avenue.
The Bigger Picture
This reveals CGRP-blocking drugs have central brain effects beyond pain, potentially opening applications in cancer supportive care and eating disorders.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Rat study — brain penetration and behavioral effects may differ in humans. Could not prevent GLP-1 agonist-induced anorexia.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could migraine patients on anti-CGRP drugs already be experiencing appetite-related benefits?
- ?Why do anti-CGRP antibodies not block GLP-1-induced anorexia?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Brain penetration Systemically administered anti-CGRP antibodies were confirmed to reach key appetite-regulating brain regions
- Evidence Grade:
- Preclinical rat study — compelling mechanistic evidence but requires human clinical trials for cachexia/anorexia indications.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025, revealing an unexpected potential application for existing migraine drugs.
- Original Title:
- Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies counteract establishment of food aversive memories and chemotherapy-induced anorexia and weight loss.
- Published In:
- Pharmacological research, 217, 107818 (2025)
- Authors:
- Pistolesi, Alessandra(4), Tuniz, Simone(2), Luceri, Cristina, Molli, Alice, Urru, Matteo, La Rocca, Antonino Iurato, Tanturli, Michele, De Cesaris, Francesco, Buonvicino, Daniela, Chiarugi, Alberto
- Database ID:
- RPEP-13062
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Could migraine drugs help cancer patients eat better?
This rat study suggests anti-CGRP antibodies reduce chemotherapy-induced appetite loss, but human trials are needed before clinical use.
How do anti-CGRP drugs affect the brain?
Despite being large molecules, this study showed anti-CGRP antibodies reach brain regions controlling appetite and food aversion.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-13062APA
Pistolesi, Alessandra; Tuniz, Simone; Luceri, Cristina; Molli, Alice; Urru, Matteo; La Rocca, Antonino Iurato; Tanturli, Michele; De Cesaris, Francesco; Buonvicino, Daniela; Chiarugi, Alberto. (2025). Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies counteract establishment of food aversive memories and chemotherapy-induced anorexia and weight loss.. Pharmacological research, 217, 107818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107818
MLA
Pistolesi, Alessandra, et al. "Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies counteract establishment of food aversive memories and chemotherapy-induced anorexia and weight loss.." Pharmacological research, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107818
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies counteract establishment of ..." RPEP-13062. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/pistolesi-2025-anticgrp-monoclonal-antibodies-counteract
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.