Erenumab: A novel calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist developed specifically for migraine prevention

Abstract

Headaches and migraines continue to be a leading cause of suffering and disability. As per the Global Burden of Disease Survey conducted in 2010, the exact magnitude of the disease still is underestimated. Migraine alone continues to rank seventh as a cause of disability. Various therapeutic modalities exist and newer classes of medications are currently being trialed to provide effective treatment to this population of patients. Erenumab, a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor inhibitor, is a recent addition to this armamentarium and has been approved by the FDA for use in 2018. It has shown modestly improved outcomes according to the current trials. However, long-term outcomes and adverse effects still are under research. The following article elaborates on the current literature and evidence on this novel drug.