Erenumab Effective for Japanese Migraine Patients — 85% Responded Within 6 Months, Including Those Switching From Other CGRP Drugs
In 45 Japanese migraine patients (60% switching from other CGRP mAbs, 67% with 4+ prior preventive failures), 85% achieved at least 30% reduction in monthly migraine days over 6 months of erenumab, though switchers took longer (4-6 months) to respond.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cumulative 85% response rate (≥30% MMD reduction) over 6 months. Response rates: 36% at 1 month, 47% at 3 months, 63% at 6 months. CGRP mAb-naïve: 56% early responders. CGRP mAb-switching: 26% early responders, 59% late responders. Wearing-off (increased migraines week 2→4): 2.4-12.5%. Only 11.1% had adverse events (all mild).
Key Numbers
45 patients. 60% switching from other CGRP mAbs. 66.7% had ≥4 prior prophylaxis failures. 6-month follow-up.
How They Did This
Single-center 6-month prospective cohort of 45 Japanese migraine patients treated with erenumab. Monthly migraine days tracked. Early (1-3 months) and late (4-6 months) responder patterns analyzed. Wearing-off assessed by comparing weekly migraine days between weeks 2 and 4 of each month.
Why This Research Matters
This study demonstrates that erenumab works in highly treatment-resistant patients and those switching from other CGRP antibodies — two populations with limited real-world data, especially in Asian populations. The finding that switchers need 4-6 months to respond has direct clinical implications for treatment evaluation timelines.
The Bigger Picture
As CGRP antibodies become standard migraine care, understanding switching patterns and response timelines is critical. This study shows that even in heavily pretreated patients, erenumab can work — but patience is needed, especially when switching between CGRP antibodies.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample (45 patients), single-center, non-controlled. Asian-specific findings may not generalize. The 30% response threshold is a relatively low bar. No standardized reason for switching documented. Japanese erenumab dosing may differ from Western practice.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why do CGRP mAb switchers take longer to respond to erenumab — is there a pharmacological explanation?
- ?Would extending the evaluation period beyond 6 months capture additional late responders?
- ?Is the wearing-off phenomenon clinically significant enough to consider dosing adjustments?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 85% cumulative response Over 6 months, 85% of highly treatment-resistant Japanese migraine patients achieved at least 30% reduction in monthly migraine days with erenumab
- Evidence Grade:
- Rated moderate: prospective cohort with clear outcome measures, but small sample (45 patients), single-center, and uncontrolled.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2024. Provides real-world Asian data for a drug class with limited non-Western evidence.
- Original Title:
- Real-world effectiveness of erenumab in Japanese patients with migraine.
- Published In:
- Heliyon, 10(4), e26568 (2024)
- Authors:
- Suzuki, Keisuke(4), Suzuki, Shiho(3), Shiina, Tomohiko, Haruyama, Yasuo, Kobayashi, Saro, Shioda, Mukuto, Hirata, Koichi
- Database ID:
- RPEP-09351
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
If one CGRP migraine drug fails, can switching to erenumab still help?
Yes — in this study, 60% of patients had already tried other CGRP antibodies. While they took longer to respond (4-6 months), most eventually did. The key finding is that patients switching between CGRP drugs need more time before their response can be fairly evaluated.
How long should you try erenumab before deciding if it works?
This study suggests at least 4-6 months, especially if you're switching from another CGRP drug. Only 36% responded in the first month, but 85% eventually responded over 6 months. Many patients who seemed like non-responders early on became responders later.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-09351APA
Suzuki, Keisuke; Suzuki, Shiho; Shiina, Tomohiko; Haruyama, Yasuo; Kobayashi, Saro; Shioda, Mukuto; Hirata, Koichi. (2024). Real-world effectiveness of erenumab in Japanese patients with migraine.. Heliyon, 10(4), e26568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26568
MLA
Suzuki, Keisuke, et al. "Real-world effectiveness of erenumab in Japanese patients with migraine.." Heliyon, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26568
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Real-world effectiveness of erenumab in Japanese patients wi..." RPEP-09351. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/suzuki-2024-realworld-effectiveness-of-erenumab
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.