CGRP as the target of new migraine therapies — successful translation from bench to clinic

Migraine treatment is entering a transformative era focused on CGRP-targeted therapies. These drugs target calcitonin gene-related peptide or its receptor, enhancing migraine management. Approval for several of these drugs is expected in 2018 and 2019. CGRP-related therapies improve upon existing options by specifically acting on the trigeminal pain system. They are designed to minimize adverse effects, making them safer for patients. For acute relief, CGRP receptor antagonists, like ubrogepant, show effectiveness. Monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP, including eptinezumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab, prevent migraine attacks. Erenumab targets the CGRP receptor, offering further migraine prevention. The research outlines the biology of CGRP signaling and its role in migraine headaches. It highlights key evidence supporting the efficacy of CGRP-targeted treatments. Insights into the trigeminal ganglion's pathophysiology are also discussed, enhancing our understanding of migraine mechanisms. Clinical relevance: This research highlights new CGRP-targeted therapies that could significantly improve migraine treatment outcomes.