Experts offer insights into new class of migraine medications

Reviewed by James Ives, M.Psych. (Editor)Sep 16 2019

As research continues to show progress towards minimizing the effects of headache disorders on patients' lives, Practical Neurology^® gathered insights from experts in the field at The American Headache Society (AHS) 61^stAnnual Scientific Meeting this year, where new data looking at a range of approaches from nerve stimulation to monoclonal antibodies and neuromodulation devices revealed advancements in migraine treatment. The real-time feedback from the professional community is highlighted in the latest issue of Practical Neurology, now available.

Among the large volume of data on numerous aspects of headache shared at the meeting were several reports related to clinical trial and real-world experiences with a new class of medication for migraine, the monoclonal antibodies that block calcitonin gene-related peptide. This new class of medication – also known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)s - is the first developed specifically for and targeting the underlying biology of migraine.

The news and reviews journal, Practical Neurology^®, asked attendees how having these new medications for just over a year had changed their clinical practice. Answers appear in the regularly occurring Convention Question feature in the September issue.

"This is an unmatched era for headache disorders, "said Peter Goadsby, MD, PhD, FAHS, director of the NIHR Wellcome Trust at the King's College Clinical Research Facility in London, professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco and President-elect of the American Headache Society, "New research and continued treatment advancements are providing the community with a better understanding of migraine and offer patients much-needed hope."

Respondents to Practical Neurology shared their feelings that, within their own practices, new medications improved clinical care, changed how they thought about headache disorders, and made their work more enjoyable.

Craig McChesney, group publisher for Practical Neurology^® said:

The enthusiasm and excitement expressed reflects the desire headache specialists have to provide the best possible care for their patients, and how satisfying it can be when that occurs."

The next AHS clinical symposium is The 2019 Scottsdale Headache Symposium November 21-24 2019 in Scottsdale, AZ. The 62^ndAnnual Scientific Meeting of the AHS will be held June 4-7, 2020 in San Diego, CA.