Abstract
Erenumab is a novel, first-in-class drug for the treatment of episodic and chronic migraine, now entering the clinical practice. This new class of drugs is formed by humanized or human antibodies against the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptor or against the neuropeptide CGRP itself.
Erenumab, manufactured as Aimovig, is now being launched in both European Union and the U.S.A. It is a human monoclonal antibody targeting the CGRP receptor at sites relevant for the pathophysiology of migraine such as the trigeminal ganglia.
CGRP is a neuropeptide modulating nociceptive signaling and also a vasodilating agent associated with the pathophysiology of migraine. Significant rise in the level of CGRP has been detected in blood samples taken from the jugular vein during migraine attacks.
The clinical effectiveness and safety of erenumab have been demonstrated in two recently published trials. According to SPC, erenumab can be used for the prophylaxis of migraine in adults suffering from migraine attacks at least 4 days a month.
It is applied subcutaneously, usually once in 4 weeks. Adverse effects may consist of application site reactions, usually of mild or moderate severity.
