The European Commission has approved the first biological medicine designed to prevent attacks of migraine pain.
Erenumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that works by blocking the CGRP receptor. This receptor is believed to be involved in transmitting pain signals during a migraine attack. It can be given by yourself or by another trained person every four weeks using an auto-injector.
2600 patients participated in a clinical trial program on the efficacy and safety of erenumab. There was a significant reduction in the number of pain attack days per month in the antibody group. The drug’s safety and tolerability profile was similar to that of placebo.
“We believe this new therapy could help many people with chronic and episodic migraines,” commented Wendy Thomas, CEO of the Migraine Trust.
Migraine is a separate neurological disease. It causes recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, usually throbbing, often unilateral, and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds and smells.
Migraine is associated with pain, disability and a reduced quality of life, as well as a financial cost to society. This disease has a significant and limiting impact on the patient’s ability to perform daily activities, and according to a report by the World Health Organization, it is one of the top 10 causes of living with disabilities in men and women.
– It is therefore important that it is available to patients as soon as possible. The manufacturer claims that patients will have access to the drug from September under an EU license.