Once-monthly galcanezumab for the prevention of migraine in adults: an evidence-based descriptive review and potential place in therapy

Abstract

In the last 15 years relevant efforts have been made to demonstrate that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonism is a valuable and druggable mechanism for treatment or prevention of migraine. Galcanezumab is one of the antibodies developed and studied to prevent migraine by targeting CGRP. The scope of this review is to report data currently available on galcanezumab. According to available data, galcanezumab is safe and efficacious in preventing migraine in episodic migraine patients, also reducing disability and functional impairment due to the disorder. In September 2018, galcanezumab was approved in the USA for the prevention of migraine in adults. The placement of galcanezumab into the current therapeutic scenario will be a revolution for migraine patients, and probably in a less near future also for patients affected by other primary headaches.

Keywords:

• calcitonin gene-related peptide
• headache
• LY2951742
• monoclonal antibody prophylaxis
• CGRP

Author contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting and revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

Dr Guerzoni participated as coinvestigator in the I5Q-MC-CGAI trial (NCT02614261) and in the I5Q-MC-CGAW trial (NCT03559257). Dr Lupi participated as coinvestigator in the I5Q-MC-CGAI trial (NCT02614261), in the I5Q-MC-CGAL trial (NCT02397473), and in the I5Q-MC-CGAM trial (NCT02438826). Dr Benemei and Dr Negro report no conflicts of interest in this work.