Galcanezumab reduced migraine days and disability in 2,592 Spanish patients, with 60–77% staying on treatment at one year.
2,592 patients across 29 studiesOne of the largest real-world evidence reviews for galcanezumab in a single-country population
What the researchers found
Across 29 real-world Spanish studies, galcanezumab showed consistent reductions in monthly migraine days and monthly headache days. Disability scores (MIDAS) and headache impact scores (HIT-6) also improved.
12-month persistence ranged from 59.8% to 76.8%, meaning about 6 to 8 out of 10 patients stuck with treatment for a full year. Serious adverse events were rare. One study reported high patient satisfaction. No study included health-related quality of life data.
Why it matters
Clinical trials show drugs work under controlled conditions. Real-world data shows how they perform in everyday practice, with typical patients who often have other health conditions, use other medications, and may not be as strictly monitored. This review confirms galcanezumab's benefits translate outside the trial setting in a large Mediterranean population.
The numbers in context
- 29 publications included
- 2,592 Spanish adult patients
- 12-month persistence: 59.8% to 76.8%
- Significant reductions in monthly migraine days and monthly headache days
- Improvements in MIDAS disability and HIT-6 impact scores
- Serious adverse events: rare
How the study worked
This was a systematic literature review following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. Researchers searched for observational studies on galcanezumab in Spanish patients, published from August 2020 to August 2023, in English or Spanish. They included 29 publications covering 2,592 adult patients.
Who was studied
2,592 Spanish adult migraine patients using galcanezumab in routine clinical practice
What this study cannot tell us
This is a review of observational studies with no control groups or randomization. Publication bias may favor positive results. No study included quality-of-life measures, which limits understanding of the full patient experience. The data is from Spain only and may not generalize to all populations.
How to read the evidence
Rated moderate: systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, but includes only observational studies without control groups.
When this study was published
Published in 2024, reviewing studies from August 2020 to August 2023. Covers the first three years of real-world galcanezumab use in Spain.
The bigger picture
Clinical trials show drugs work under ideal conditions. This large real-world review confirms galcanezumab's benefits translate to everyday Spanish clinical practice with typical patients.
Questions still open
- Why do 23–40% of patients discontinue within a year?
- How does galcanezumab compare to other CGRP antibodies in real-world settings?
Common questions
How effective is galcanezumab in real-world use?
How long do patients stay on galcanezumab?
Read the original research
Real-world experience of galcanezumab in the prevention of migraine in Spain: a systematic literature review.
Frontiers in neurology, 15, 1502475
Citation
Pozo-Rosich, Patricia; García-Azorín, David; Díaz-Cerezo, Silvia; Fernández-Montoya, Julia; de Paz, Héctor David; Núñez, Mercedes. (2024). Real-world experience of galcanezumab in the prevention of migraine in Spain: a systematic literature review.. Frontiers in neurology, 15, 1502475. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1502475