CGRP - A New Weapon in the Battle for Migraine Freedom

CGRP was first identified as a molecule of interest in the headache-pain pathway in 1986, but it wasn’t until 2000 when the first agents targeting the CGRP receptor (“gepants”) were developed. The first proof-of-concept study which took place in 2004 demonstrated a significant reduction in migraine symptoms when administered during the attack. Unfortunately future progress was stymied in 2009 when an early molecule, oral talcagepant, was associated with elevated liver enzymes and the trial was subsequently halted. The progress these agents made nevertheless supported further development and spurred the creation of second generation agents which showed far more promise without the risk of liver toxicity and better tolerability than was seen with the triptan agents.