Migraine Attack Days Halved by New Drug

Erenumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, effectively reduced the frequency of migraines and improved migraine-related outcomes, according to the findings of a recent study.

The randomized trial included 955 patients who experienced episodic migraines. For 6 months, patients were randomly assigned to receive either subcutaneous injections of erenumab at 70 mg (n=317) or 140 mg (n=319) or placebo (n=319). Changes in the mean number of migraine days per month from baseline to months 4 through 6 were assessed as the primary outcome. Additionally, secondary end points included a 50% or greater reduction in mean migraine days per month, changes in the number of days of use of acute migraine-specific medication, and change in scores on the physical impairment and everyday-activities domains of the Migraine Physical Function Impact Diary.
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At baseline, the mean number of migraine days per month was 8.3 for the entire cohort. The mean number of migraine days was reduced by 3.2 among patients who received 70 mg of erenumab and by 3.7 among those who received 140 mg of erenumab at months 4 through 6 compared with 1.8 days among those in the placebo group. In addition, 43.3% of patients who received 70 mg of erenumab and 50% of patients who received 140 mg of erenumab experienced a 50% or greater reduction in the mean number of migraine days compared with 26.6% among those who received placebo. The number of days of acute migraine-specific medication use was reduced by 1.1 days and 1.6 days for the 70-mg erenumab group and 140-mg erenumab group, respectively, compared with 0.2 days for the placebo group.

Erenumab improved physical-impairment scores by 4.2 and 4.8 points for those in the 70-mg erenumab group and those in the 140-mg erenumab group, respectively, compared with a 2.4-point improvement in the placebo group. Additionally, everyday activity scores improved by 5.5 points, 5.9 points, and 3.3 points in the 70-mg erenumab group, 140-mg erenumab group, and placebo group, respectively. The rates for adverse events were similar between all groups.

“Erenumab administered subcutaneously at a monthly dose of 70 mg or 140 mg significantly reduced migraine frequency, the effects of migraines on daily activities, and the use of acute migraine–specific medication over a period of 6 months,” the researchers concluded. “The long-term safety and durability of the effect of erenumab require further study.”

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Goadsby PJ, Reuter U, Hallström Y, et al. A Controlled Trial of Erenumab for Episodic Migraine [published online November 30, 2017]. N Engl J Med. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1705848.