Erenumab: A First-in-Class Monoclonal Antibody for Migraine Prevention

Abstract

Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor erenumab for migraine preventive therapy. Data Sources: A MEDLINE/PubMed search (January 2000 to January 2019) was conducted using the keywords erenumab-aooe, erenumab, migraine, migraine prophylaxis, migraine prevention, and chronic migraine. Additional articles were identified by hand from references. Study Selection and Data Extraction: We included English-language articles (excluding poster presentations) evaluating erenumab pharmacology, efficacy, or safety in humans for migraine prevention. Data Synthesis: Erenumab is a CGRP inhibitor that inhibits vasodilation in response to acute migraines, which decreases pain perception during the migraine. Erenumab efficacy and safety has only been compared with placebo, but its reduction in monthly migraine days (MMDs) and medication response (≥50% reduction in MMDs) are comparable to current recommended off-label therapies for migraine prevention in short-term treatment studies. Additionally, erenumab is associated with low adverse event burden with no difference found compared with placebo per published clinical trials. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Erenumab is the first medication approved in the United States for the prevention of migraines in adults. No head-to-head data are available, but existing data suggest that erenumab is at least as effective as current off-label products and with reduced adverse effects. Conclusion: Erenumab is an effective once-monthly injectable agent for migraine prevention in patients with chronic or episodic migraine. It is also effective for patients who have previously failed migraine preventive therapy. Erenumab has a favorable adverse effect profile, which may improve patient adherence.