Real-life assessment of erenumab in refractory chronic migraine with medication overuse headache

Induction of more severe central sensitization in a medication overuse headache model mice through active ingestion of rizatriptan

BACKGROUND

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a secondary headache disorder arising from excessive use of acute analgesics in patients with primary headache. Current animal models that predominantly employ passive drug administration fail to recapitulate the hallmark feature of voluntary medication-seeking behaviour observed clinically. Therefore, we established a novel MOH mouse model with the active ingestion of rizatriptan (RIZ) to better simulate the clinical characteristics of MOH and explore changes in brain activation patterns.

METHODS

C57BL/6 J mice received intraperitoneal injections of nitroglycerin (NTG, 10 mg/kg) every other day. During the feeding period, they were provided with two bottles-one containing an RIZ solution (0.02 mg/kg) and the other containing deuterium depleted water (DDW)-allowing for voluntary intake. The bottle containing the RIZ solution was marked with a fixed colour indicator at the nozzle. Behavioural assessments included mechanical allodynia (von Frey filaments), anxiety-like behaviours (elevated plus maze, EPM and open field test, OFT), and drug-seeking quantification. Quantitative data from c-Fos immunostaining across 25 specific brain regions were subjected to Z score normalization, followed by three-tiered computational analyses: 1) hierarchical clustering (complete linkage) to characterize activation patterns, 2) Pearson correlation analysis for functional connectivity mapping, and 3) graph-theoretical network analysis (Cytoscape 3.2.1) to identify hub regions and their topological relationships. The small molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, rimegepant (100 mg/kg, i.p., 7 injections) was administered during the modelling period, and withdrawal of RIZ and NTG was applied after modelling to observe behavioural and histological changes.

RESULTS

Chronic RIZ consumption exacerbated NTG-induced cutaneous allodynia, prolonged central sensitization, and increased anxiety-like behaviour. Rimegepant attenuated allodynia progression, whereas withdrawal of RIZ and NTG normalized pain thresholds. Network analysis identified the prelimbic cortex (PrL) and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (SPVC) as hub nodes. The PrL exhibited extensive functional connectivity with addiction-related regions (the insular cortex, IC and nucleus accumbens), whereas the SPVC showed predominant connections with pain-processing areas.

CONCLUSION

This study pioneers an ethologically valid MOH model that reflects more severe central sensitization and recapitulates active medication-seeking behaviour. PrL-mediated addiction-like-behaviour pathways and SPVC-centred nociceptive processing may play roles in the development of MOH. These findings provide novel neuromodulation targets (PrL, IC, SPVC) for refractory MOH management.

Effectiveness of switching strategies in CGRP monoclonal antibody therapy for migraine: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of first switching between monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor in the treatment of migraine.

BACKGROUND

Although mAbs targeting CGRP or its receptor have emerged as a leading treatment for migraine prevention, a proportion of patients do not respond. While switching between these antibodies is a common clinical practice in such cases, the effectiveness remains a subject of study.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary headache center, analyzing data from clinical records of patients treated with anti-CGRP mAbs from January 2020 to March 2024. Baseline was defined as the monthly headache days (MHDs) in the 3 months prior to the start of the second mAb. The primary endpoint was the change in MHDs at month 3 and month 6 following the switch. Additionally, we evaluated response rates in both periods. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on changes in mechanism of action. Finally, we assessed the influence of the number of doses of the first mAb and the inter-treatment interval.

RESULTS

Out of 1244 initially identified patients, 185 were included in the month-3 analysis and 123 in the month-6 evaluation. The median MHDs decreased from 27.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 16.1, 30.0; range 5.0, 30.7) at baseline to 21.0 (IQR 10.0, 30.0; range 0.0, 30.0; p < 0.001) at month 3, and to 20.0 (IQR 10.0, 30.0; range 0.0, 31.0; p < 0.001) at month 6. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences in MHDs between maintaining the same target or changing it (baseline: 28.0 [IQR 16.2, 30.0; range 5.0, 31.0] vs. 27.0 [IQR 6.0, 31.0; range 6.0, 31.0]; month 3: 23.0 [IQR 10.0, 30.0; range 0.0, 31.0] vs. 19.0 [IQR 11.0, 30.0; range 1.0, 31.0], p = 0.144; month 6: 24.0 [IQR 11.0, 30.0; range 0.0, 31.0] vs. 17.0 [IQR 10.0, 30.0; range 3.0, 31.0], p = 0.170). There was no association between a ≥50% reduction in MHDs and the number of previous doses of the first mAb (odds ratio [OR] 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0, 1.1; p = 0.189) or the inter-treatment interval (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.9, 1.1; p = 0.914).

CONCLUSION

Switching between anti-CGRP mAbs resulted in a reduction in MHDs, with no significant differences based on the mechanism of action. Factors such as the number of doses of the first mAb and the inter-treatment interval did not appear to predict a ≥50% reduction in MHDs at month 3. Our findings support the viability of switching as an effective treatment option for patients with migraine who do not respond to initial mAb therapy.

Critical reflections on medication overuse headache in patients with migraine: An unsolved riddle in nociception

Migraine chronification very frequently exposes patients to the inevitable risk of excessive symptomatic intake that, in turn, prompts development of medication overuse headache (MOH). The latter further compromises headache severity establishing a vicious cycle of symptomatic intake and relapsing head pain that critically worsens the overall clinical status of patients. A great deal of attention has been focused on MOH pathogenesis, and thanks to preclinical and clinical studies knowledge about this disorder is now remarkably advanced. Still, some open questions remain regarding issues related to the neurobiology and neurochemistry underpinning pain chronification in MOH patients, as well as the remedies capable of interrupting pronociceptive cephalic sensitization and drug overuse. Here, a critical reappraisal of these issues is provided in an attempt to gain deeper insight and promote debate on a pain disorder that still represents a conundrum in the field of nociception.

Impact of duration of chronic migraine on long-term effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway-A real-world study

OBJECTIVE

We assessed whether the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway changes according to the duration of chronic migraine (CM) over 12 months.

BACKGROUND

In most patients, CM is a progressive disease starting with episodic migraine. Longer CM duration might be associated with more difficult treatment, probably because the mechanisms underlying chronicization are strengthened. Therefore, early treatment of CM could lead to better outcomes compared with later treatment.

METHODS

This cohort study included individuals with CM treated with anti-CGRP mAbs in two tertiary headache centers from April 2019 to May 2023. The primary outcome included a change in monthly migraine days (MMDs) from baseline to the third trimester of treatment, 10-12 months. Secondary outcomes established whether response to anti-CGRP mAbs has a more rapid onset in individuals with shorter CM duration compared with longer duration; they included change in MMDs, monthly headache days (MHDs), and days and number of intakes of acute medication during each trimester compared to baseline. Additional outcomes included persisting MMDs, MHDs, and days and number of intakes of acute medication during each trimester of treatment. Patients were compared across tertiles of the overall CM duration.

RESULTS

The study included 335 individuals with CM, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 48 (39-57) years; 270 (80.6%) were women. Patients in the highest tertile of CM duration (aged 18-60 years) were older than patients in the lower duration tertiles (0-7 years and 8-18 years, respectively), with a median (IQR) age of 56 (48-64) years compared with 42 (31-50) years, and 48 (39-56)years, respectively (p = 0.025); however, this difference was likely due to a correlation between age and disease duration. The change in MMDs from baseline to the last trimester of treatment (10-12 months) was comparable across tertiles of CM duration (median [IQR] -12 [-18 to -5] days, -12 [-17 to -6] days, and -12 [-18 to -4] days; p = 0.946). No difference emerged in secondary outcomes, suggesting a similar time to onset of anti-CGRP mAbs effect across all tertiles of CM duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that anti-CGRP mAbs are effective and have a rapid onset of action in CM regardless of disease duration.

Potential Predictors of Response to CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies in Chronic Migraine: Real-World Data

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Real-world data (RWD) has identified potential predictors of response to anti-CGRP therapies in patients with chronic migraine (CM). This review aims to synthesize the most remarkable findings published to date regarding this topic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Migraine features such as unilateral pain and positive triptan response and chronic features such as daily headache or medication overuse (MO) emerge as predictors of positive outcomes, potentially linked to elevated baseline serum anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP) levels. Demographic and baseline characteristics, encompassing obesity, psychiatric comorbidities, and prior refractoriness to prophylactic treatments, are associated with poor responses in both treatment-naïve patients and after-switch scenarios. Nevertheless, the consistency of these predictors across diverse populations requires further investigation. Recent RWD literature highlights emerging predictors of response of different sources among patients with CM receiving anti-CGRP therapies. Comprehending these predictors and identifying novel biomarkers of response hold the potential to refine treatment strategies for CM patients, enhancing their management and therapeutic outcomes.

Blood pressure monitoring in elderly migraineurs starting an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody: a real-world prospective study

BACKGROUND

While monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the CGRP pathway have revolutionized migraine management due to their improved tolerance and adherence, concerns remain about their potential impact on blood pressure (BP), especially in older patients, due to CGRP-mediated vasodilation blockade. Given the growing use of these therapies in older populations, assessing their cardiovascular (CV) safety is of paramount importance.

METHODS

This multicentric observational prospective study focused on migraine sufferers aged ≥ 60 who began erenumab, galcanezumab, or fremanezumab for prevention. Baseline, three-month, and twelve-month BP measurements were collected. Changes in antihypertensive medication and "Newly or Worsened Hypertensive" patients (NWHP) were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 155 patients receiving anti-CGRP mAbs (40 Erenumab, 47 Galcanezumab, 68 Fremanezumab), 42.5% had hypertension history and 39% were on antihypertensive treatment. No significant systolic or diastolic BP changes occurred at any time point compared to baseline (all p > 0.05), with no differences between the three groups. After one year, 20/155 (12.9%) patients were considered NWHP; 11/20 had prior hypertension, and 5/11 adjusted antihypertensive therapy. Among 9/20 newly hypertensive patients, 5/9 had a single measurement above the normal threshold with no requirement for new pharmacological therapy. A higher baseline BP value was associated with increased BP (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The study concludes that treatment with anti-CGRP mAbs over one year does not significantly affect BP in patients aged ≥ 60, nor does it increase the incidence of hypertension compared to general population trends. Nonetheless, continuous monitoring and further long-term studies are necessary to fullya scertain the cardiovascular safety of these medications in the elderly.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of erenumab for the treatment of migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a common and disabling primary headache disorder. Several drugs targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), such as erenumab (an anti-CGRP receptor mAb), have been developed recently. However, the real-world effects of erenumab are not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of erenumab for reducing migraine intensity and frequency in the real world.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to December 2023. Studies estimating the real-world effect of erenumab on monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly headache days (MHD), headache impact test (HIT-6), number of days in medication (NDM), acute monthly intake (AMI), pain intensity (PI) and safety outcomes were included. Meta-analyses of proportions or mean differences were performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies were included. At 3-months, the effect was -7.18 days for MMD, -6.89 days for MHD, -6.97 for HIT-6, -6.22 days for NDM, -15.75 for AMI, and -1.71 for PI. Generally, the effect at 6- and 12-months increased slightly and gradually. The MMD/MHD response rates revealed that approximately one-third of patients exhibited a response greater than 30%, while one-sixth demonstrated a response exceeding 50%. Additionally, 3-4% of patients achieved a response rate of 100%. Adverse event rates were 0.34 and 0.43 at 6- and 12-months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study provides strong evidence of the effectiveness and safety of erenumab in the real world; to our knowledge, this is the first real-world meta-analysis specific to erenumab. Erenumab represents a solid therapeutic option for physicians.

Persistent effectiveness of CGRP antibody therapy in migraine and comorbid medication overuse or medication overuse headache - a retrospective real-world analysis

BACKGROUND

Management of patients with migraine who have concomitant medication overuse (MO) or medication overuse headache (MOH) is a major problem in clinical practice. Detoxification of acute analgesics before or during initiation of prophylactic therapy has long been recommended although this concept has recently been questioned. Additionally, relapse after detoxification is a common problem. This real-world study analyses the initial and sustained effectiveness of prophylactic migraine therapy with CGRP (receptor) antibodies without prior detoxification in patients with comorbid MO or MOH for up to one year.

METHODS

A retrospective real-world analysis was performed on 291 patients (episodic migraine (EM) with MO (EM-MO; n = 35), EM without MO (EM-noMO; n = 77), chronic migraine (CM) with MOH (CM-MOH; n = 109), CM without MOH (CM-noMOH; n = 70). All patients began treatment with either erenumab (n = 173), fremanezumab (n = 70) or galcanezumab (n = 48) without prior detoxification. Data were available for up to 12 months of treatment. Responder rates for monthly headache days (MHD), monthly migraine days (MMD) and monthly acute medication intake (AMD) were analysed.

RESULTS

All groups showed a significant reduction in MHD, MMD and AMD at the last observed time point compared to baseline. In patients with CM and MOH, 60.6% (66/109) no longer fulfilled the definition of MO or MOH and a further 13.8% (15/109) had only EM-MO. In the EM cohort, 89% (31/35) of MO patients lost their MO during therapy. MHD and AMD 30% responder rates were comparable for CM-MOH and CM-noMOH (MHD: CM-MOH: 56.0% vs. CM-noMOH: 41.4%, p = 0.058, AMD: CM-MOH: 66.1% vs. CM-noMOH: 52.9%, p = 0.077). MMD responder rate did not differ significantly (after Bonferroni adjustment) (CM-MOH: 62.4% vs. CM-noMOH: 47.1%, p = 0.045, α = 0.017). After successful initiation of therapy, 15.4% of the initial CM-MOH patients relapsed and met the criterion for CM-MOH at the end of follow-up. There were no antibody specific differences in response to therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirms the effectiveness of CGRP antibody treatment in migraine patients with additional MOH or MO in a real-world setting. Low relapse rates after initial successful therapy support an early start of CGRP antibody treatment in patients with MOH or MO.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

No registration, retrospective analysis.

Metabolic and toxicological considerations regarding CGRP mAbs and CGRP antagonists to treat migraine in COVID-19 patients: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Migraine pharmacological therapies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), including monoclonal antibodies and gepants, have shown clinical effect and optimal tolerability. Interactions between treatments of COVID-19 and CGRP-related drugs have not been reviewed.

AREAS COVERED

An overview of CGRP, a description of the characteristics of each CGRP-related drug and its response predictors, COVID-19 and its treatment, the interactions between CGRP-related drugs and COVID-19 treatment, COVID-19 and vaccination-induced headache, and the neurological consequences of Covid-19.

EXPERT OPINION

Clinicians should be careful about using gepants for COVID-19 patients, due to the potential drug interactions with drugs metabolized via CYP3A4 cytochrome. In particular, COVID-19 treatment (especially nirmatrelvir packaged with ritonavir, as Paxlovid) should be considered cautiously. It is advisable to stop or adjust the dose (10 mg atogepant when used for episodic migraine) of gepants when using Paxlovid (except for zavegepant). CGRP moncolconal antibodies (CGRP-mAbs) do not have drug - drug interactions, but a few days' interval between a COVID-19 vaccination and the use of CGRP mAbs is recommended to allow the accurate identification of the possible adverse effects, such as injection site reaction. Covid-19- and vaccination-related headache are known to occur. Whether CGRP-related drugs would be of benefit in these circumstances is not yet known.

Eptinezumab for the Prevention of Migraine: Clinical Utility, Patient Preferences and Selection - A Narrative Review

The new Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)-targeted therapies have proven high efficacy and tolerability in episodic and chronic migraine. Eptinezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds CGRP with high affinity. Eptinezumab was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on February 21st, 2020, for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It is administered intravenously over 30 minutes with a standard dose of 100 mg and has a T-max of 30 minutes-1 hour and a half-life of 27 days. These pharmacological properties allow for a very rapid onset of effect and a quarterly administration. It is the first time that a preventive treatment for migraine can be offered as an intravenous administration. As the range of therapeutic possibilities in migraine is expanding, the treatment process must include common decision-making, where physicians should explain in detail to patients the different characteristics of treatment options beyond efficacy and side effects. Patients can now express a preference on a range of opportunities: pharmacological versus non-pharmacological approaches, route of administration, frequency of administration, efficacy, rapidity, side effects, costs, the possibility of titration or dosing, and durability of effectiveness at suspension. Also, patient preferences can be influenced by age, country, migraine severity, and earlier experience with CGRP-targeted therapies. Besides, adherence may be influenced by several factors, including route and the schedule of administration. This narrative review describes a new perspective from the patient's point of view. Clinicians should ally with patients to select treatments that meet each patient's needs and thus apply a tailored approach, addressing not only headaches. In this way, physicians would care for the patients globally and stand out their preferences on different aspects of treatment. Besides, healthcare professionals shall be aware that patients' beliefs about therapies are subject to change with increasing experience with new therapeutic approaches.

Patterns of anti-CGRP mAbs use and variation of triptan consumption following treatment initiation: A descriptive drug utilization study in the Tuscany region, Italy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the pattern of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (anti-CGRP mAbs) utilization in the Tuscany region, Italy, and the variation of triptan consumption after treatment initiation.

BACKGROUND

Given the recent commercialization of anti-CGRP mAbs as migraine preventive medications, real-world evidence on their patterns of utilization and their impact on migraine abortive medication use is still limited.

METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive, cohort study on the real-world utilization of anti-CGRP mAbs was performed using the population-based regional administrative database of Tuscany. Patients with ≥1 anti-CGRP mAb dispensing (namely erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab) between April 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021, were identified. The first dispensing was the cohort entry (CE). New users (NUs) were patients with no anti-CGRP mAb dispensing before CE. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were plotted to describe the cumulative probability of remaining with the initial anti-CGRP mAb during a 15-month follow-up period as a measure of treatment persistence. Among NUs with ≥2 triptan dispensings during the 6 months before CE (i.e., baseline), the mean monthly number of triptan dosage units dispensed was measured in five consecutive follow-up time windows (months 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15) and the difference from the baseline was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 624 NUs (erenumab = 295, galcanezumab = 223, fremanezumab = 106) were identified, of whom 188 (78%) were women. Mean age was 49.2 years (standard deviation [SD] = 12.6). The survival to discontinuation at 6, 12, and 15 months was about 69%, 48%, and 6%, respectively. The survival to switch was about 6% at 15 months. The observed variation of triptan consumption at 3/6/9/12/15 months and the corresponding SD was -4.4 [8.2]/-5.2 [9.0]/-5.5 [9.2]/-5.4 [9.2]/-4.5 [10.0], respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patient demographics reflect the place of these medications in therapy. Overall, findings seem to indicate a favorable tolerability and effectiveness profile. Further studies are warranted to better establish the long-term comparative effectiveness, safety, and cost effectiveness of anti-CGRP mAbs compared to other preventive medications.

Predictors of galcanezumab response in a real-world study of Korean patients with migraine

To assess factors associated with galcanezumab response in a real-world study of Korean patients with migraine. Predictors of the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor (anti-CGRP(-R) mAb) have been rarely investigated in Asians. We prospectively recruited and followed up patients with migraine who received monthly galcanezumab treatment in a single university hospital from June 2020 to October 2021. We defined the treatment response with ≥ 50% reduction in moderate/severe headache days in the 3rd month of treatment compared to baseline. Responders and non-responders were compared in terms of demographics, disease characteristics and severity, and previous response to migraine prophylactic treatments. Potential predictors of anti-CGRP(-R) mAb response were tested by using the univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Among 104 patients (81.7% female; mean age 42.0 ± 13.02; 76.9% chronic migraine; and 45.5% medication overuse headache) included, 58 (55.7%) were responders. Non-responders had more chronic migraine, medication overuse headache, monthly headache days, days with acute medication, and daily headaches (i.e. chronic migraine persisting everyday without remission). The multivariable logistic analysis showed chronic migraine (OR 0.05 [95% CI 0.00-0.82], p = 0.036) and the number of previously failed preventive medication classes (OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.33-0.92], p = 0.024] were independently associated with treatment response. Chronic migraine and multiple failures from preventive medication are associated with poor galcanezumab response. Further studies are needed to investigate if earlier treatment before disease chronification or multiple failures may lead to a greater therapeutic gain from anti-CGRP(-R) mAb treatment.

Impact of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies on migraine attack accompanying symptoms: A real-world evidence study

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials on anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies poorly investigated their impact on migraine accompanying symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of basal accompanying symptoms on anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies treatment response and their evolution after six months of treatment in migraine patients.

METHODS

Patients with migraine diagnosis seen in the Headache Clinic and treated with erenumab, galcanezumab or fremanezumab were prospectively recruited. They completed a daily eDiary which provided data on headache frequency and the following accompanying symptoms of each day: photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, dizziness, and aura. Patients were classified as responders or non-responders based on 50% or greater reduction in headache days per month at month 6 (≥50% response rate). Accompanying symptoms ratios based on headache days per month were assessed per patient at baseline and after three and six months. Comparisons for basal characteristics, basal accompanying symptoms ratios and their evolution after six months between responders and non-responders were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-eight patients were included, 44% (69/158) showed ≥50% response rate after six months. A significant reduction in headache days per month in both groups was found at month 6 (-9.4 days/month in ≥50% response rate group; p < 0.001, -2.2 days/month in <50% response rate group; p = 0.004). Additionally, significant decreases in photophobia (-19.5%, p < 0.001), phonophobia (-12.1%, p = 0.010) and aura ratios (-25.1%, p = 0.008) were found in ≥50% response rate group. No statistically significant reductions were found in nausea and dizziness in any group since their reduction was correlated with the decrease in headache days per month. Higher photophobia ratios at baseline were predictive of an increased response between months 3 and 6 (Incidence Risk Ratio = 0.928, p = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

The days per month with photophobia, phonophobia and aura decreased at a higher rate than headache days per month after six months in the ≥50% response group. Higher photophobia ratios were associated with higher response rates between three and six months. It could indicate an involvement of peripheral CGRP in photophobia as well as a central modulation of migraine through these treatments which mainly act on the periphery.

A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis of Anti-CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies: Predicting Response

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-targeted monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs) are increasingly being used as preventive treatments for migraine. Their effectiveness and safety were established through numerous randomized placebo-controlled trials and real-world studies, yet a significant proportion of patients do not respond to this treatment, and currently, there is a lack of accepted predictors of response to guide expectations, as data from studies so far are lacking and inconsistent. We searched Embase and MEDLINE databases for studies reporting on predictors of response to CGRP and/or CGRP-receptor (CGRP-R) mAbs, defined as a 30% or 50% reduction in monthly headache or migraine days at varying durations of follow-up. Quantitative synthesis was performed where applicable. We found 38 real-world studies that investigated the association between various predictors and response rates. Based on these studies, good response to triptans and unilateral pain with or without unilateral autonomic symptoms are predictors of a good response to CGRP(-R) mAbs. Conversely, obesity, interictal allodynia, the presence of daily headaches, a higher number of non-successful previous prophylactic medications, and psychiatric comorbidities including depression are predictive of a poor response to CGRP(-R) mAbs. Future studies should confirm these results and help to generate more tailored treatment strategies in patients with migraine.

Methodological considerations on real-world evidence studies of monoclonal antibodies against the CGRP-pathway for migraine: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Real-world data are accumulating on the effectiveness, tolerability and safety of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway monoclonal antibodies for the preventive treatment of migraine. We performed a systematic review of the methodology of prospective, observational, clinic-based real-world evidence studies with these drugs in both episodic and chronic migraine.

METHODS

The objectives were to evaluate the definitions and reported outcomes used, and to perform a risk of bias assessment for each of the different studies. PubMed and EMBASE were systematically queried for relevant scientific articles. Study quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the "National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Study Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group".

RESULTS

Forty-six studies fitted the criteria for the systematic review and were included in the analysis. Ten studies (21.7%) defined a migraine day for the study, while only 5 studies defined a headache day for the study (10.9%). The most common primary endpoint/objective of the studies was change in monthly migraine days (n = 16, 34.8%), followed by responder rate (n = 15, 32.6%) and change in monthly headache days (n = 5, 10.9%). Eight studies (17.4%) did not define the primary endpoint/objective. Thirty-three studies were graded as "good" quality and 13 studies were graded as "fair".

CONCLUSION

Our analysis shows rather significant heterogeneity and/or lack of predefined primary outcomes/objectives, definitions of outcomes measures and the use of longitudinal monitoring (e.g. headache diaries). Standardization of terminology, definitions and protocol procedures for real-world evidence studies of preventive treatments for migraine are recommended.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with PROSPERO with ID CRD42022369366.

The Registry for Migraine (REFORM) study: methodology, demographics, and baseline clinical characteristics

BACKGROUND

Erenumab has demonstrated effectiveness for prevention of migraine attacks, but the treatment is costly, and a considerable proportion of patients do not respond to it. The Registry for Migraine study (REFORM) was initiated to discover biomarkers that can predict response to erenumab in patients with migraine. The specific objective was to investigate differences in erenumab efficacy based on clinical information, blood-based biomarkers, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and response to intravenous infusion of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). In this first report of the REFORM study, we provide a comprehensive description of the study methodology, and present the baseline characteristics of the study population.

METHODS

The REFORM study was a single-center, prospective, longitudinal cohort study in adults with migraine who were scheduled to receive preventive treatment with erenumab as part of a separate, open-label, single-arm phase IV trial. The study included four periods: a 2-week screening period (Weeks -6 to -5), 4-week baseline period (Week -4 to Day 1), 24-week treatment period (Day 1 to Week 24), and a 24-week follow-up period without treatment (Week 25 to Week 48). Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using a semi-structured interview, whilst outcome data were obtained using a headache diary, patient-reported outcomes, blood sampling, brain MRI, and responsiveness to intravenous infusion of CGRP.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 751 participants, with a mean age ± SD of 43.8 ± 12.2 years, of which 88.8% (n = 667) were female. At enrollment, 64.7% (n = 486) were diagnosed with chronic migraine, and 30.2% (n = 227) had history of aura. The mean monthly migraine days (MMDs) was 14.5 ± 7.0. Concomitant preventive medications were used by 48.5% (n = 364) of the participants, and 39.9% (n = 300) had failed ≥ 4 preventive medications.

CONCLUSION

The REFORM study enrolled a population with a high migraine burden and frequent use of concomitant medications. The baseline characteristics were representative of patients with migraine in specialized headache clinics. Future publications will report the results of the investigations presented in this article.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study and sub-studies were registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04592952; NCT04603976; and NCT04674020).

Burden of migraine with acute medication overuse or psychiatric comorbidities and treatment with CGRP pathway-targeted monoclonal antibodies: A review

Migraine is a complex and often debilitating neurological disease that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. It is characterized by moderate-to-intense, throbbing headache attacks that are worsened by activity and is associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine, ranked the second leading cause of years lived with disability by the World Health Organization, can diminish patients' quality of life and bring significant personal and economic burden. Furthermore, migraine patients with a history of acute medication overuse (AMO) or psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety, may experience even greater impairment and burden, and their migraine may be more difficult-to-treat. Appropriate treatment of migraine is essential to reduce this burden and improve patient outcomes, especially for those with AMO or psychiatric comorbidities. There are several available preventive treatment options for migraine, though many of these are not migraine-specific and may have limited efficacy and/or poor tolerability. The calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine, and monoclonal antibodies that target the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway have been developed as specific preventive treatments for migraine. Four of these monoclonal antibodies have been approved for the preventive treatment of migraine after demonstrating favorable safety and efficacy profiles. These treatments offer substantial benefits for migraine patients, including those with AMO or common psychiatric comorbidities, by reducing monthly headache days and migraine days, days of acute medication use, and disability measures, as well as improving quality of life.

Predicting response to CGRP-monoclonal antibodies in patients with migraine in Japan: a single-centre retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRPmAbs) are a favourable option for patients with migraine who experience distressful headache disability and fail to respond to traditional preventive treatment options. However, since CGRPmAb has been available for only 2 years in Japan, the difference between good and poor responders remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with migraine in Japan who responded well to CGRPmAb based on real-world data.

METHODS

We analysed patients who visited Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, between the 12^th of August 2021 and 31^st of August 2022, and were prescribed one of three CGRPmAbs (erenumab, galcanezumab, and fremanezumab) for more than 3 months. We recorded the patients' basic migraine characteristics, such as pain quality, monthly migraine days (MMD)/monthly headache days (MHD), and the number of prior treatment failures. We defined good responders as patients whose MMDs decreased by more than 50% after 3 months of treatment and other patients as poor responders. We compared the baseline migraine characteristics between the two groups and performed logistic regression analysis based on the items that showed statistically significant differences.

RESULTS

In total, 101 patients were considered eligible for the responder analysis (galcanezumab: 57 (56%), fremanezumab: 31 (31%), and erenumab: 13 (13%)). After 3 months of treatment, 55 (54%) patients achieved ≥ 50% reduction in MMDs. Comparisons between ≥ 50% responders and non-responders revealed that age was significantly higher (p = 0.003), and MHD and total prior treatment failures were significantly lower (p = 0.027, 0.040, respectively), in responders than in non-responders. Age was a positive predictive factor, and the total number of prior treatment failures and past medical history of immuno-rheumatologic diseases were negative predictive factors of CGRPmAb responsiveness in Japanese patients with migraine.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with migraine who are older, with fewer prior treatment failures and no past history of immuno-rheumatologic disease, may respond well to CGRPmAbs.

Preventive CGRP-targeted therapies for chronic migraine with and without medication-overuse headache

Background:

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) targeted therapies are an important breakthrough in migraine prevention. Randomized clinical trials, post-hoc analyses, and phase IV studies have demonstrated their efficacy and safety in chronic migraine patients, including those with concomitant medication-overuse and medication-overuse headache. Real world evidence studies support these findings and provide realistic endpoints for estimation of effect.

Methods and results

We have performed a narrative review including results from double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials and real-world evidence studies regarding efficacy of the CGRP(-receptor) monoclonal antibodies and CGRP-receptor antagonists (gepants) in patients with chronic migraine with concomitant medication overuse (headache). We have included patient profiles and main efficacy endpoints (monthly migraine days, monthly headache days, monthly acute medication days and percentage responder rates).

Conclusion

The results of this review show that CGRP monoclonal antibodies are effective in chronic migraine patients, also in those with medication overuse (headache). At the time of this review, atogepant clinical trials in chronic migraine have not been communicated. Direct comparative studies are needed for comparison with other treatment options.

Switching OnabotulinumtoxinA to Monoclonal Anti-CGRP Antibodies in Drug-Resistant Chronic Migraine

BACKGROUND

OnabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) and anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (anti-CGRP mAbs) are approved drugs for chronic migraine (CM), a difficult-to-treat condition. Optimization of CM patient management by choosing the best options and determining appropriate time for switching or adding concomitant treatments are highly needed.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate clinical response to anti-CGRP mAbs in patients who switched from BTX-A due to ineffectiveness defined by different cut-offs and assess the retention rate, effectiveness, and safety of both drugs within the first 9 months of treatment.

METHODS

A monocentric, cohort study, enrolling patients with CM, resistant to several preventive treatments, first treated with BTX-A and then with anti-CGRP mAbs with two observational phases of 9 months preceded by respective baseline. First, the retention rate and effectiveness of both treatments were measured in all patients. A second analysis assessed effectiveness in patients stratified according to <50 or <30% response rate to BTX-A. The absolute change from baseline in monthly headache days (MHDs), response rate, analgesic use, and persistence in medication overuse (MO) at 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment were recorded. Last observation carried forward (LOCF) analyses, including all patients and assuming no further changes after discontinuation, were performed for all outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 78 enrolled patients (80.8% female, and 89.7% with MO at baseline), 32 (41.0%) received erenumab, 32 (41.0%) galcanezumab, and 14 (18.0%) fremanezumab. Retention rate was 62.2 and 91.0% for BTX-A and 76.9 and 96.2%, for anti-CGRP mAbs at 3 and 9 months of treatment, respectively. At 9 months of treatment, 22.4% of BTX-A patients and 65.0% of anti-CGRP mAbs patients achieved a ≥50% response rate. Anti-CGRP mAbs reduced MHDs, AMN, and AMDs, and decreased the number of MO patients at 9 months. In patients stratified according to <50 or <30% response rate to BTX-A, response rate (≥50% response at 9 months) to anti-CGRP was 62.9 and 57.9%, respectively. LOCF analyses confirmed these findings. No serious adverse events (AEs) were recorded and only two patients discontinued treatment due to AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Difficult-to-treat CM patients who discontinued BTX-A and received anti-CGRP mAbs showed a substantial clinical improvement in migraine-related outcomes. Switching to an anti-CGRP mAb appears to be a viable option in patients with insufficient response after the first 2 cycles with BTX-A. The appropriate variables, cut-offs, and timing to define ineffectiveness and the best time to switch or combine therapies for difficult-to-treat CM need to be investigated further.

Maintenance of response and predictive factors of 1-year GalcanezumAb treatment in real-life migraine patients in Italy: The multicenter prospective cohort GARLIT study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate the 1-year effectiveness and tolerability of galcanezumab in real life and the prognostic indicators of persistent response.

METHODS

High-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) and chronic migraine (CM) patients treated with galcanezumab who completed a 1-year observation were enrolled. The primary outcomes assessed during the 12 months (V1-V12) were the change in monthly migraine days (MMDs) from baseline and the response rates ≥50% in MMDs (MMD ≥50% RR). The secondary outcomes were changes in pain intensity (numerical rating scale [NRS]) and in monthly acute medication intake (MAMI).

RESULTS

We enrolled 191 patients (77.5% CM). Twenty-three patients (12%) dropped out, two for nonserious adverse events. At least 40% of patients took add-on standard preventives from baseline to V12. At V12, MMDs were reduced by 6.0 days in HFEM and by 11.9 days in CM patients (both p < 0.00001); NRS and MAMI were also decreased in both groups (p < 0.00001). One-hundred eight (56.5%) patients presented MMD ≥50% RR for 9 cumulative months (interquartile range=8): we defined this value as the cutoff for a persistent response. Persistent responders were less likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.007) but more frequently had a good response to triptans (p = 0.005) and MMD ≥50% RR at V1 (p < 0.0000001). Patients without a persistent response were on add-on therapy for longer periods of time (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Galcanezumab was effective and well-tolerated in the 1-year term, with most patients presenting MMD ≥50% RR for at least 9 months. Triptan response, lower BMI, and MMD ≥50% RR in the first month emerged as predictive factors for a persistent response.

Monoclonal Antibodies against Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide for Migraine Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review of Real-World Data

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of real-world outcomes for anti-CGRP-mAbs.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed for real-world data of erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab, or eptinezumab in patients with migraines.

RESULTS

We identified 134 publications (89 retrospective), comprising 10 pharmaco-epidemiologic and 83 clinic-based studies, 38 case reports, and 3 other articles. None of the clinic-based studies provided follow-up data over more than one year in more than 200 patients. Findings suggest that there are reductions in health insurance claims and days with sick-leave as well as better treatment adherence with anti-CGRP-mAbs. Effectiveness, reported in 77 clinic-based studies, was comparable to randomized controlled trials. A treatment pause was associated with an increase in migraine frequency, and switching to another antibody resulted in a better response in some of the patients. Adverse events and safety issues were addressed in 86 papers, including 24 single case reports.

CONCLUSION

Real-world data on anti-CGRP-mAbs are limited by retrospective data collection, small patient numbers, and short follow-up periods. The majority of papers seem to support good effectiveness and tolerability of anti-CGRP-mAbs in the real-world setting. There is an unmet need for large prospective real-world studies providing long-term follow-ups of patients treated with anti-CGRP-mAbs.

Cranial autonomic symptoms and response to monoclonal antibodies targeting the Calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway: A real-world study

Objective

Cranial autonomic symptoms (CAS), including conjunctival injection, tearing, nasal congestion or rhinorrhea, eyelid edema, miosis or ptosis, and forehead or facial sweating ipsilateral to headache, are often reported by patients with migraine during headache attacks. CAS is a consequence of the activation of the trigeminovascular system, which is the target of monoclonal antibodies acting on the CGRP pathway. Therefore, we hypothesized that patients with CAS might have higher trigeminovascular activation than those without CAS leading to a better response to anti-CGRP treatments.

Methods

We performed a prospective analysis including patients with episodic or chronic migraine treated with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (i.e., erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab) between 2019 and 2021. The observation period included a 12-week baseline before treatment with anti-CGRP antibodies and a 12-week treatment follow-up. We evaluated the prevalence of CAS in our cohort and compared disease characteristics and treatment response (i.e., 12-week monthly headache days and 0–29, 30–49, 50–74, 75–99, and 100% monthly headache days reduction from baseline) among patients with and without CAS using the χ² test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results

Out of 136 patients, 88 (65%) had CAS. Both patients with and without CAS reported a significant decrease in monthly headache days from baseline. During the 12-week follow-up, the median difference in monthly headache days from baseline was higher in patients with CAS (-10, IQR−15 to−6) than in those without CAS (6, IQR 12 to 3; P = 0.009). However, the proportions of patients with 0 to 29, 30 to 49, 50 to 74, 75 to 99, and 100% response rates did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

In our cohort, the presence of CAS was associated with a greater response to monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway. CAS could be a clinical marker of trigeminovascular activation and thus be related to a better response to CGRP treatments.

Conversion from chronic to episodic migraine in patients treated with galcanezumab in real life in Italy: the 12-month observational, longitudinal, cohort multicenter GARLIT experience

Objective

To investigate in real-life the conversion from chronic migraine (CM) to episodic migraine (EM), specifically to EM with High-Frequency (HFEM: 8–14 monthly migraine days, MMDs), Medium-Frequency (MFEM, 4–7 MMDs), and Low-Frequency EM (LFEM, 0–3 MMDs), and its persistence during 1 year of treatment with galcanezumab.

Methods

Consecutive CM patients treated with galcanezumab completing 1 year of observation were enrolled. We collected data on MMDs, pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS score), and monthly acute medication intake (MAMI) from baseline (V1) to the 12-month visit (V12).

Results

Of the 155 enrolled patients, 116 (around 75%) reverted to EM at every visit and 81 (52.3%) for the entire 1-year treatment. Patients with older onset age (p = 0.010) and fewer baseline MMDs (p = 0.005) reverted more frequently to EM. At V12, 83 participants (53.5%) presented MFEM or LFEM. Patients reverted to MFEM or LFEM for 7 months (25th 1, 75th 11). The medication overuse discontinuation rate at V12 was 82.8% and occurred for 11 months (25th 8, 75th 12). From baseline to V12, the MAMI decreased by 17 symptomatic drugs (p < 0.000001) while the NRS score reduced by almost 2 points (p < 0.000001). A consistent transition to EM for the entire treatment year was observed in 81 (52.3%) patients.

Discussion

The 1-year GARLIT experience suggests that more than half of CM patients treated with galcanezumab persistently reverted to EM in real life.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04803513.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-022-11226-4.

Therapies targeting CGRP signaling for medication overuse headache

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Medication overuse headache (MOH) affects more than 60 million individuals worldwide causing enormous personal and social burden. Only repurposed drugs are available for MOH that share limited evidence for efficacy. The preclinical data suggesting that activation of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway is involved in headache chronification along with clinical evidence that monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP (anti-CGRP mAbs) have good efficacy in preventing chronic migraine, triggered this review that aims to summarize the current data on the effectiveness and safety of mAbs against CGRP in MOH.

RECENT FINDINGS

Post hoc analyses of phase-3 trials of erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, and eptinezumab for the prevention of chronic migraine revealed that patients with MOH benefit from the treatment over placebo. Several real-world studies confirm the efficacy of erenumab and galcanezumab in patients with MO. However, all published trials evaluated treatments in patients with chronic migraine with MO collectively, not in patients with MOH exclusively.

SUMMARY

The available data indicate that anti-CGRP mAbs represent a good mechanism-based and disease-specific therapeutical option with for MOH as long as detoxification and additional nonpharmaceutical interventions are operated. Future research should focus on long-term-controlled trials in MOH populations exclusively.

Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Monoclonal Antibodies Acting on the CGRP as a Combined Treatment for Migraine (TACTIC): Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial

Background

Migraine is a recurrent headache disorder that has a still unclear pathophysiology, involving several circuits of both the central and peripheral nervous system. Monoclonal antibodies acting on the calcitonin gene-related (CGRP) pathway (CGRP-MAbs) are the first drugs specifically designed for migraine; those drugs act peripherally on the trigeminal ganglion without entering the blood-brain barrier. Conversely, neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) act centrally by increasing or decreasing the neuronal firing rate of brain cortical areas. The aim of the study will be to evaluate whether tDCS, in addition to CGRP-MAbs, is an effective add-on treatment in reducing headache frequency, intensity and acute medication use in patients with migraine. To demonstrate the biological effects of tDCS, the electroencephalographic (EEG) power changes after tDCS will be assessed.

Methods

We will include patients with migraine on treatment with CGRP-MAbs and reporting ≥8 monthly migraine days. During a prospective 28-day baseline period, patients will fill in a headache diary and questionnaires to evaluate migraine-related disability, anxiety and depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life. Subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to active or sham tDCS. The stimulation protocol will consist in five daily sessions, the cathodes will be applied bilaterally above the occipital areas, with the reference anode electrodes positioned above the primary motor areas. Before the first, and immediately after the last stimulation session, patients will perform a 10-min resting EEG recording. During a 28-day follow-up period following tDCS, patients will have to fill in a headache diary and questionnaires identical to those of the baseline period.

Discussion

This trial will evaluate the efficacy of an add-on treatment acting on the brain in patients with migraine, who are already treated with peripherally acting drugs, showing how tDCS acts in restoring the dysfunctional brain networks typical of the migraine patient.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT05161871.

Patient-reported outcomes of migraine treatment with erenumab: results from a national patient survey

BACKGROUND

Despite development of new therapies, migraine remains an undertreated illness. It is important to understand patients' preferences and perceptions of using a certain therapy. We present data from a nationwide Lithuanian survey of patients' experience using erenumab for the treatment of high frequency episodic and chronic migraine.

METHODS

An anonymous internet survey was distributed on February-March 2021 to the members of Migraine Association of Lithuania. All adult respondents who reported using at least one dose of erenumab were included in the study.

RESULTS

Out of 145 respondents, 75.2% had chronic migraine, and 31.7% had medication overuse headache. Patients received an average of 6 (IQR 4-9) erenumab doses. 93.1% respondents found erenumab effective, and 72.6% experienced improvement during the first month. MHDs were reduced by 9.8 (SD 6.0) (P < 0.001), and MMDs by 7.2 (SD 5.2) days (P < 0.001). 78.6% respondents achieved ≥ 50% reduction and 47.6% achieved ≥ 75% reduction of MMDs. 13.8% patients indicated a wearing-off effect during the treatment course, and 37.8% - some wearing-off between injections. Constipation was the most frequent adverse event (32.6%). 47.2% of patients who had a positive erenumab effect and discontinued treatment experienced migraine rebound in 6 (SD 2.0) weeks.

CONCLUSION

Erenumab is perceived as an effective and safe treatment. Further studies are needed to investigate a post-cessation deterioration of achieved improvement.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Vast majority of patients experience stable or increasing effect of erenumab. • Erenumab efficacy usually becomes evident during the first month of treatment. • Erenumab is perceived significantly better than non-specific preventive medications. • Almost 40% of patients experienced some wearing-off between injections. • Almost half of patients experience migraine rebounds after treatment cessation.

Migraine Prevention with Erenumab: Focus on Patient Selection, Perspectives and Outcomes

Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor suitable for episodic and chronic migraine prevention. Randomized clinical trials proved the superiority of erenumab to placebo in a strictly selected population, while real-world studies confirmed treatment efficacy in more severe forms of disease – most patients suffered from chronic migraine with medication overuse headache, had prior treatment failures, and long disease duration. According to guidelines, anti-CGRP pathway monoclonal antibodies should be reserved to patients who failed or have contraindication to several classes of preventive treatments. However, their ease of use, tolerability and efficacy make these monoclonal antibodies ideally suitable for most patients with migraine; cost-effectiveness needs to be considered when looking at expanding current prescription criteria. Also, data from open label extensions of randomized control trials confirmed sustained benefits of prolonged treatment up to 5 consecutive years without significant risk of adverse events. Further studies will provide insights on optimal treatment duration to achieve migraine remission and predictors of treatment response. In the present work, we aimed at reviewing design and results of the main studies on erenumab and discussing treatment use in the current migraine prevention scenario; we also summarized the main ongoing research projects and provided clinical perspectives for the future.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Three Anti-CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies in Resistant Chronic Migraine Patients Based on the MIDAS score

BACKGROUND

Criteria, including clinical features and effective outcomes, for access and persistence of novel but costly treatments may vary between countries, thus affecting the health of patients. Monoclonal antibodies against the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway (anti-CGRP mAbs) for migraine treatment are currently prescribed following strict criteria.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of three anti-CGRP mAbs (erenumab, galcanezumab, and fremanezumab) in consecutive resistant chronic migraine patients presenting at our Headache Center and the impact of criteria set by the Italian Medicines Agency to start and continue (achieving a ≥ 50% reduction in Migraine Disability Assessment [MIDAS] score) with treatment under the reimbursement program.

METHODS

A monocentric, prospective, cohort study was conducted, enrolling 203 severe (resistant to three or more preventive treatments) chronic migraine patients (84.7% with medication overuse) treated with erenumab (47.2%), galcanezumab (36.5%), or fremanezumab (16.3%), with up to 12 months follow-up. Patients completed a headache diary that included monthly migraine days (MMDs), number of analgesics and days with analgesic use, and patient-reported outcome questionnaires (MIDAS, Headache Impact Test 6 [HIT-6] questionnaires, and the Patient Global Impression of Change [PGIC] scale). Moreover, percentages of patients showing ≥ 50%, ≥ 75% and 100% reduction in MMDs (responder rates) were calculated at different follow-ups. A subgroup analysis was performed for patients with 12-month follow-up. Potential predictors of response were assessed at different follow-ups.

RESULTS

In the overall population, all three anti-CGRP mAbs were similarly effective and dropouts were 17.2%. The percentage of patients with ≥ 50% reduction in MMDs (min-max 36.4-56.8%) and in monthly analgesic consumption (51.1-75.7%) was inferior to the percentage of patients who reported a ≥ 50% reduction in MIDAS score (89.5-100%). HIT-6 score was also consistently reduced at all follow-ups. In patients with a 12-month follow-up, MIDAS and HIT-6 scores were also reduced at all follow-ups compared with baseline, with 84.4-100% of patients achieving a ≥ 50% reduction in MIDAS score, and patients with a ≥ 50% response rate ranging from 36.4 to 66.6%. No severe adverse events were recorded. Fewer migraine days at baseline were associated with ≥ 50% response rate at 1 month and fewer MMDs, years of chronic migraine, and monthly analgesic use at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

In resistant chronic migraine patients, anti-CGRP mAbs are effective and safe. A ≥ 50% reduction in MIDAS score seems to be the most advantageous outcome measure in this setting, which allows most severe migraine patients to persist with treatment.