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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 5/2015

01-05-2015 | Headache (RB Halker, Section Editor)

CGRP Mechanism Antagonists and Migraine Management

Authors: Nazia Karsan, Peter J. Goadsby

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 5/2015

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Abstract

Migraine is a complex disorder of the brain that is common and highly disabling. As understanding of the neural pathways has advanced, and it has become clear that the vascular hypothesis does not explain the disorder, new therapeutic avenues have arisen. One such target is calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-based mechanisms. CGRP is found within the trigeminovascular nociceptive system widely from the trigeminal ganglion to second-order and third-order neurons and in regulatory areas in the brainstem. Studies have shown CGRP is released during severe migraine attacks and the reversal of the attack with effective triptan treatment normalizes those levels. CGRP administration triggers migraine in patients, and CGRP receptor antagonists have been shown to abort migraine. Here, we review the current state of CGRP mechanism antagonist therapy as its research and development is increasing in migraine therapeutics. We discuss several recent trials, highlighting the evidence base behind these novel drugs, and their potential future contribution to migraine management.
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Metadata
Title
CGRP Mechanism Antagonists and Migraine Management
Authors
Nazia Karsan
Peter J. Goadsby
Publication date
01-05-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-015-0547-z

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