Three FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP provide effective migraine prevention with a new mechanism of action.
39 millionAmericans affected by migraine, with 3 new CGRP-targeting antibodies now available
What the researchers found
Three CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibodies are FDA-approved for migraine prevention, reducing attack frequency through a targeted mechanism not available with older drugs.
Why it matters
Migraine affects 1 in 7 people ages 15-49 and is 3 times more common in women. These first-in-class targeted preventive medications fill a critical gap for patients who couldn't tolerate existing treatments.
The numbers in context
39M Americans; 1 in 7 ages 15-49; 3x more in women; 3 FDA-approved mAbs
How the study worked
Review of clinical trial data and FDA-approved indications for erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab.
Who was studied
Adults with episodic or chronic migraine
What this study cannot tell us
Brief review without detailed comparative efficacy data. Long-term safety beyond trial durations is still being monitored.
How to read the evidence
Review of FDA-approved medications backed by phase 3 clinical trial data. Strong evidence base.
When this study was published
Published in 2020. Since then, additional CGRP-targeting medications have received approval.
The bigger picture
CGRP antibodies represent a paradigm shift — the first medications designed specifically for migraine prevention based on understanding of migraine neurobiology.
Questions still open
- How do the three CGRP antibodies compare in efficacy and side effects?
- What is the optimal duration of treatment?
- Can CGRP antibodies be combined with other preventives?
Common questions
How do CGRP antibodies prevent migraines?
Who should consider CGRP antibodies?
Read the original research
Medications Approved for Preventing Migraine Headaches.
The American journal of medicine, 133(6), 664-667
Citation
Spindler, Brittany L; Ryan, Melody. (2020). Medications Approved for Preventing Migraine Headaches.. The American journal of medicine, 133(6), 664-667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.01.031