Erenumab for episodic migraine

Abstract

In this review, the authors provide an overview of erenumab, a monoclonal antibody used for the preventative treatment of episodic migraine by targeting the CGRP pathway. Randomized controlled trials have shown that erenumab is associated with a statistically significant decrease in monthly migraine days in patients with episodic migraine at monthly doses of 70 or 140 mg when given for a period of 9–12 weeks. Post hoc analyses have also shown long-term maintenance of efficacy. Clinical trials have found erenumab at doses of both 70 and 140 mg to have a favorable safety profile. Erenumab faces significant limitations because of its high financial cost. Additional long-term real-world data are needed to understand the role of erenumab in the treatment of migraine.

Plain language summary

In this review, the authors give an overview of erenumab, an injectable medication used to prevent migraine headaches. Erenumab has been proven to be significantly effective in patients with episodic migraines when used at doses of 70 or 140 mg. Furthermore, studies have shown sustained benefit starting as early as the first week of treatment as well as improvement in patients’ quality of life. Erenumab has been found to be as safe as placebo in some studies, but there have been some reports of a link to high blood pressure and constipation. However, because of its high cost, patients still face significant barriers to access to erenumab. Additional long-term real-world data are needed to understand the current role of erenumab in the treatment of migraine.

Keywords::

• Aimovig
• CGRP antagonists
• episodic migraine
• erenumab
• headache
• migraine

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.