Migraine Antibodies May Also Help With Chemotherapy-Induced Appetite Loss and Weight Loss | Research

The takeaway

Anti-CGRP antibodies approved for migraine reached the rat brain and reduced food aversion memories and chemotherapy-induced anorexia.

Brain penetration
Systemically administered anti-CGRP antibodies were confirmed to reach key appetite-regulating brain regions

What the researchers found

Systemically administered anti-CGRP migraine antibodies reached the brain and counteracted food aversion memories and chemotherapy-induced weight loss in rats.

Why it matters

Cancer cachexia and chemotherapy-induced anorexia are devastating — repurposing existing migraine drugs could provide a new treatment avenue.

The numbers in context

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 the study worked

In vivo rat study testing systemic anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies on food aversion, chemotherapy-induced anorexia, and fear responses.

Who was studied

Rats with food aversion and chemotherapy-induced anorexia

What this study cannot tell us

Rat study — brain penetration and behavioral effects may differ in humans. Could not prevent GLP-1 agonist-induced anorexia.

How to read the evidence

Preclinical rat study — compelling mechanistic evidence but requires human clinical trials for cachexia/anorexia indications.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, revealing an unexpected potential application for existing migraine drugs.

The bigger picture

This reveals CGRP-blocking drugs have central brain effects beyond pain, potentially opening applications in cancer supportive care and eating disorders.

Questions still open

Could migraine patients on anti-CGRP drugs already be experiencing appetite-related benefits?
Why do anti-CGRP antibodies not block GLP-1-induced anorexia?

Common 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 the original research

Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies counteract establishment of food aversive memories and chemotherapy-induced anorexia and weight loss.

Pharmacological research, 217, 107818

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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