Migraine

Investigating the causal association between systemic lupus erythematosus and migraine using Mendelian randomization analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be genetically causally associated with migraine, including the two primary subtypes: migraine with aura (MWA) and migraine without aura (MWoA).

BACKGROUND

The association between SLE and migraine has been investigated extensively. Previous studies have shown a higher prevalence of migraine in patients with SLE, although the exact relationship remains unclear. This study investigated the potential causal association between SLE and migraine using the powerful analytical tool of Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

We performed two-sample MR analysis of publicly available summary statistic datasets using inverse variance-weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger methods based on an SLE genome-wide association study (GWAS; 5201 cases; 9066 controls; the exposure frequency is 36.5%) as an exposure and migraine GWAS (15,905 cases; 264,662 controls) in individuals with European ancestry as outcomes, focusing on the two migraine subtypes MWA (6780 cases; 264,662 controls) and MWoA (5787 cases; 264,662 controls). Thepleiotropy and heterogeneity were performed.

RESULTS

We selected 42 single-nucleotide polymorphisms from SLE GWAS as instrumental variables (IVs) for SLE on migraine, and 41 SNP IVs for SLE on MWA or MWoA. The IVW (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.99, 1.03], p = 0.271), weighted median (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = [0.97, 1.03], p = 0.914), and MR-Egger (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = [0.99, 1.09], p = 0.153) methods showed no causal effect of SLE on migraine. A causal effect of SLE was observed on MWA (IVW: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = [1.02, 1.08], p = 0.001; weighted median: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = [1.01, 1.10], p = 0.018; MR-Egger: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = [1.01, 1.14], p = 0.035 and pIVW < 0.017 [Bonferroni correction]) but not MWoA (IVW: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = [0.96, 1.02], p = 0.331; weighted median: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = [0.94, 1.03], p = 0.496; MR-Egger: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = [0.95, 1.09], p = 0.652). The results showed no significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Our MR analysis demonstrated the complex relationship between SLE and migraine, suggesting a potential effect of SLE on the risk of MWA but not MWoA. These findings can aid in the development of improved subtype-specific management of migraine in patients with SLE.

Integration of single-nucleus RNA sequencing and network disturbance to elucidate crosstalk between multicomponent drugs and trigeminal ganglia cells in migraine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Migraine is caused by hyperactivity of the trigeminovascular system, where trigeminal ganglia (TG) plays an important role. TG is composed of multiple neuronal and non-neuronal cell types, which is related to "neuro-inflammation-vascular" disorder in migraine. Tou Tong Ning capsule (TTNC), a CFDA-approved traditional Chinese medicine for treating migraine, has the characteristics of "multicomponents, multitargets, multipathways".

AIM OF THE STUDY

To clarify the mechanism of TTNC and elucidate crosstalk between multicomponent drugs and neuronal and non-neuronal functions and cells in migraine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We integrated single-nucleus RNA sequencing and a quantitative evaluation algorithm of the disturbance of multitarget drugs on the disease network and explored the specific pathology of migraine and corresponding compounds. A cerebrovascular smooth muscle spasmolytic activity experiment was carried out to verify the results of the bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

TTNC exhibited its regulation activities in neuronal and non-neuronal aspects based on drugs attack to four subnetworks and cell specific networks, which explored the MoA of TTNC in comprehensive and refined perspectives. Compared to neuronal regulation, TTNC showed more significant attack score on non-neuronal biological function (smooth muscle and vessel). And TTNC compound clusters C1, C6 and C7, targeting non-neuronal function and cells, had larger group area than C10, C4 and C6 for neuronal function and cell, which implied that TTNC may mainly regulate the non-neuronal function, e.g., vessel smooth muscle contraction. Contraction of cerebrovascular smooth muscle of mice ex vivo confirmed the vasodilation activity of TTNC and active compounds from C1, C6, C9 (Emodin, Luteolin and Levistilide A). Literature mining confirmed the vasospasmodolytic activity and neuroprotective effect of TTNC.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that TTNC may primarily alleviate non-neuronal functional disorders in migraine by relaxing cerebral vascular smooth muscle cell spasm to alleviate migraine. Integrating single-nucleus RNA sequencing data and network disturbance tools provides a new strategy for the pharmacological mechanism of multicomponent drugs through cell subtyping.

Determining the Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for the Preventive Treatment of Menstrual Migraine: A Protocol for a PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Menstrual migraine (MM), as a common type of headache related to women's menstrual cycle, currently available treatments do not produce sufficient effectiveness, making it remains difficult to manage. Although acupuncture may be an effective treatment for MM, there is a lack of convincing evidence to recommend acupuncture to patients with MM until more solid evidence is produced. Therefore, the purpose of our systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis protocol is to synthesize up-to-date evidence regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture on MM.

Methods

To find qualifying RCTs, nine databases will be searched. RevMan 5.3 will be used to combine the retrieved data for meta-analyses. The Cochrane risk of bias instrument will be used to assess the methodological quality of each included trial. The strength and certainty of the evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Additionally, we will undertake sensitivity analyses, publication bias, and subgroup analyses if available.

Discussion

Our SR and meta-analysis protocol will contribute to determining acupuncture's therapeutic effect and safety in the preventive treatment of MM. Based on the up-to-date evidence produced by the subsequent SR and meta-analysis, informed treatment decisions will be made by patients, physicians and policy makers.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 is required for nitroglycerin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced migraine-like pain behaviors in mice

ABSTRACT

Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder that is one of the leading causes of disability and a reduced quality of life. Even with such a high societal impact, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to migraine headaches is limited. To address this complex disorder, several groups have performed genome-wide association studies to elucidate migraine susceptibility genes, with many identifying transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a cold-sensitive cation channel expressed in peripheral afferents innervating the trigeminovascular system, and the principal mediator of cold and cold pain associated with injury and disease. Interestingly, these migraine-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms reside in noncoding regions of TRPM8, with those correlated with reduced migraine risk exhibiting lower TRPM8 expression and decreased cold sensitivity. Nonetheless, as a role for TRPM8 in migraine has yet to be defined, we sought to address this gap in our knowledge using mouse genetics and TRPM8 antagonism to determine whether TRPM8 channels or neurons are required for migraine-like pain (mechanical allodynia and facial grimace) in inducible migraine models. Our results show that both evoked and spontaneous pain behaviors are dependent on both TRPM8 channels and neurons, as well as required in both acute and chronic migraine models. Moreover, inhibition of TRPM8 channels prevented acute but not established chronic migraine-like pain. These results are consistent with its association with migraine in genetic analyses and establish that TRPM8 channels are a component of the underlying mechanisms of migraine.

Glucose-Related Traits and Risk of Migraine—A Potential Mechanism and Treatment Consideration

Migraine and glucose-related (glycaemic) traits (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and type 2 diabetes) are common and complex comorbid disorders that cause major economic and social burdens on patients and their families. Studies on the relationship between migraine and glucose-related traits have yielded inconsistent results. The purpose of this review is to synthesise and discuss the information from the available literature on the relationship between fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with migraine. Publications on migraine and fasting glucose, migraine and fasting insulin, and migraine and T2D were identified from a PubMed and Google Scholar database search and reviewed for this article. Multiple publications have suggested that the comorbidity of migraine and glucose-related traits may have a similar complex pathogenic mechanism, including impaired glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, reduced cerebrovascular reactivity, abnormal brain metabolism, shared genetic factors, neurotransmitters, and sex hormones. Furthermore, several studies have found a bi-directional link between migraine with insulin resistance and T2D. There is strong evidence for a biological association between migraine headache and glucose-related traits, and burgeoning evidence for shared genetic influences. Therefore, genetic research into these comorbid traits has the potential to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets and provide biological insight into their relationships. We encourage healthcare professionals to consider the co-occurrence of migraine with glucose-related traits in the evaluation and treatment of their patients.

The Role of Galcanezumab in Migraine Prevention: Existing Data and Future Directions

Galcanezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway by targeting the CGRP. Data from four phase-3 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials showed that galcanezumab is superior to placebo in reducing migraine headaches, migraine-specific quality of life, and headache-related disability. Most of the adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate and did not affect trial completion rates significantly. Along with erenumab, fremanezumab, and eptinezumab, galcanezumab forms a novel class of anti-migraine preventative treatments that is disease-specific and mechanism-based, unlike the standard ones. In addition, galcanezumab has also been shown to be effective in cluster headache, though more clinical trials are required. Overall, galcanezumab is a promising emerging treatment in migraine prophylaxis. However, it needs to be tested in larger clinical trials focused on treatment-resistant migraine. Furthermore, its safety profile, especially its potential association with an increased cardiovascular risk, needs to be established through long-term, real-world data. This review aims to give an overview of its pharmacological properties as well as to report and discuss data from clinical trials and its potential place in headache therapeutics.

Effect of galcanezumab on severity and symptoms of migraine in phase 3 trials in patients with episodic or chronic migraine

BACKGROUND

Galcanezumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds calcitonin gene-related peptide, has demonstrated a significant reduction in monthly migraine headache days compared with placebo. Here, we analyze data from 3 randomized clinical trials (2 episodic trials [EVOLVE-1, EVOLVE-2] and 1 chronic trial [REGAIN]), to examine if galcanezumab also alleviates the severity and symptoms of migraine.

METHODS

The episodic migraine trials were 6-month, double-blind studies in patients with episodic migraine (4-14 monthly migraine headache days). The chronic migraine trial was a 3-month, double-blind study in patients with chronic migraine (≥ 15 headache days per month, where ≥ 8 met criteria for migraine). Patients (18-65 years) were randomized to placebo or galcanezumab 120 mg with a 240-mg loading dose or 240 mg. Patients recorded headache characteristics, duration, severity, and presence of associated symptoms with each headache. The outcomes analyzed were changes from baseline in number of monthly migraine headache days with nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia, aura, and prodromal symptoms other than aura. Additional outcomes analyzed included the number of moderate-to-severe monthly migraine headache days, number of severe migraine headache days, and mean severity of remaining migraine headache days. Change from baseline in the proportion of days with nausea and/or vomiting and the proportion of days with photophobia and phonophobia among the remaining monthly migraine headache days were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Galcanezumab was superior to placebo in reducing the frequency of migraine headache days with associated symptoms of migraine such as nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia, and prodromal symptoms. Galcanezumab reduced the frequency of migraine headache days with aura in the episodic migraine studies. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of remaining migraine headache days with nausea and/or vomiting for the episodic and chronic migraine studies, and with photophobia and phonophobia for the episodic migraine studies. Galcanezumab was superior to placebo in reducing the number of monthly moderate-to-severe migraine headache days and the overall and monthly severe migraine headache days.

CONCLUSIONS

Galcanezumab reduces the frequency of migraine headache days and can alleviate potentially disabling non-pain symptoms on days when migraine is present in patients with episodic or chronic migraine.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT, NCT02614183 (EVOLVE-1), registered 25 November 2015; NCT, NCT02614196 , (EVOLVE-2), registered 25 November 2015; NCT, NCT02614261 (REGAIN), registered 25 November 2015.

Patterns of pharmacological treatment of patients with migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache in a large group of patients in Colombia, 2019

The objective was to determine the pharmacological treatment patterns of headache disorders in a Colombian population. Cross-sectional study. The dispensations of drugs for the management of tension-type headache, migraine, and cluster headache in the first trimester of 2019 were reviewed from a national medication dispensing database. Sociodemographic, diagnostic, and treatment variables (acute or prophylactic; concomitant drugs) were analyzed. During the study period, 7450 patients were identified: 68.5% with migraine, 25.1% with tension-type headache, and 6.4% with cluster headache. A total of 79.7% (n = 5937) were women, and the mean age was 38.6 ± 14.7 years. The 87.8% (n = 6539) were prescribed drugs for acute pain management, mainly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 3559; 47.8%), acetaminophen (n = 3390; 45.5%), ergotamine (n = 2158; 29.0%), and opioids (n = 1750; 23.5%). The 50.3% (n = 3750) received at least one drug used for prophylaxis, mainly antidepressants (n = 1769, 23.7%), flunarizine (n = 927; 12.4%), and β-blockers (n = 764; 10.3%). The main comedication was proton pump inhibitors (n = 921; 12.4%). Patients with tension-type headache, migraine, and cluster headache receive mainly medications for acute management, some with low therapeutic value or not recommended, such as opioids or ergotamine. Prophylactic management is mainly directed to migraines, although patients with other kinds of headache also used it, even though it was not indicated.

Genetic variants in migraine: a field synopsis and systematic re-analysis of meta-analyses

Objective

Numerous genetic variants from meta-analyses of observational studies and GWAS were reported to be associated with migraine susceptibility. However, due to the random errors in meta-analyses, the noteworthiness of the results showing statistically significant remains doubtful. Thus, we performed this field synopsis and re-analysis study to evaluate the noteworthiness using a Bayesian approach in hope of finding true associations.

Methods

Relevant meta-analyses from observational studies and GWAS examining correlation between all genetic variants and migraine risk were included in our study by a PubMed search. Identification of noteworthy associations were analyzed by false-positive rate probability (FPRP) and Bayesian false discovery probability (BFDP). Using noteworthy variants, GO enrichment analysis were conducted through DAVID online tool. Then, the PPI network and hub genes were performed using STRING database and CytoHubba software.

Results

As for 8 significant genetic variants from observational studies, none of which showed noteworthy at prior probability of 0.001. Out of 47 significant genetic variants in GWAS, 36 were noteworthy at prior probability of 0.000001 via FPRP or BFDP. We further found the pathways “positive regulation of cytosolic calcium ion concentration” and “inositol phosphate-mediated signaling” and hub genes including MEF2D, TSPAN2, PHACTR1, TRPM8 and PRDM16 related to migraine susceptibility.

Conclusion

Herein, we have identified several noteworthy variants for migraine susceptibility in this field synopsis. We hope these data would help identify novel genetic biomarkers and potential therapeutic target for migraine.

CGRP and the Trigeminal System in Migraine

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this narrative review is to provide an overview of migraine pathophysiology, with an emphasis on the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) within the context of the trigeminovascular system.

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disease that is characterized in part by intense, throbbing, and unilateral headaches. Despite recent advances in understanding its pathophysiology, migraine still represents an unmet medical need, as it is often underrecognized and undertreated. Although CGRP has been known to play a pivotal role in migraine for the last 2 decades, this has now received more interest spurred by the early clinical successes of drugs that block CGRP signaling in the trigeminovascular system.

DESIGN

This narrative review presents an update on the role of CGRP within the trigeminovascular system. PubMed searches were used to find recent (ie, 2016 to November 2018) published articles presenting new study results. Review articles are also included not as primary references but to bring these to the attention of the reader. Original research is referenced in describing the core of the narrative, and review articles are used to support ancillary points.

RESULTS

The trigeminal ganglion neurons provide the connection between the periphery, stemming from the interface between the primary afferent fibers of the trigeminal ganglion and the meningeal vasculature and the central terminals in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. The neuropeptide CGRP is abundant in trigeminal ganglion neurons, and is released from the peripheral nerve and central nerve terminals as well as being secreted within the trigeminal ganglion. Release of CGRP from the peripheral terminals initiates a cascade of events that include increased synthesis of nitric oxide and sensitization of the trigeminal nerves. Secreted CGRP in the trigeminal ganglion interacts with adjacent neurons and satellite glial cells to perpetuate peripheral sensitization, and can drive central sensitization of the second-order neurons. A shift in central sensitization from activity-dependent to activity-independent central sensitization may indicate a mechanism driving the progression of episodic migraine to chronic migraine. The pathophysiology of cluster headache is much more obscure than that of migraine, but emerging evidence suggests that it may also involve hypersensitivity of the trigeminovascular system. Ongoing clinical studies with therapies targeted at CGRP will provide additional, valuable insights into the pathophysiology of this disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

CGRP plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of migraine. Treatments that interfere with the functioning of CGRP in the peripheral trigeminal system are effective against migraine. Blocking sensitization of the trigeminal nerve by attenuating CGRP activity in the periphery may be sufficient to block a migraine attack. Additionally, the potential exists that this therapeutic strategy may also alleviate cluster headache as well.

Peripheral and central nervous system distribution of the CGRP neutralizing antibody [125I] galcanezumab in male rats

Objective

The objective of this investigation was to examine the distribution of galcanezumab and a control immunoglobulin 4 antibody containing the same constant regions as galcanezumab, into peripheral and central tissues.

Methods

Galcanezumab and a control immunoglobulin 4 antibody were radioiodinated with Iodine-125 to specific activities of 0.11 mCi/mg and 0.16 mCi/mg, respectively. At 24, 72, and 168 hours following subcutaneous injection of either antibody (4 mg/kg), cerebrospinal fluid and plasma were obtained followed by saline perfusion to remove residual blood and collection of selected tissues for determination of Iodine-125 content by gamma counting.

Results

The peak plasma levels of Iodine-125 galcanezumab and Iodine-125 control immunoglobulin 4 were observed at 72 hours and remained high at 168 hours post-dose. The rank order of tissue levels was dura mater = spleen > trigeminal ganglia ≫hypothalamus = spinal cord = prefrontal cortex = cerebellum. Iodine-125 galcanezumab levels in peripheral tissue (dura mater, spleen, and trigeminal ganglia) averaged 5% to 11% of plasma, whereas all of the central nervous system (CNS) tissue levels and the cerebrospinal fluid levels were < 0.4% of plasma. Distribution of the antibodies into the dura mater and the trigeminal ganglia was similar to that observed in the spleen and significantly greater than exposure in the brain or spinal cord.

Conclusions

The central levels of galcanezumab were relatively low, which would favor the dura mater and trigeminal ganglia as sites of action for its observed clinical efficacy. However, a central site of action cannot be excluded.

Cycling Through Migraine Preventive Treatments: Implications for All-Cause Total Direct Costs and Disease-Specific Costs

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disease associated with substantial economic burden. Among patients with migraine, it is unknown if cost differences exist when preventive migraine medication (PMM) switches occur.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the cost burden and health care resource utilization of patients who discontinue or cycle through 1 (PMM1), 2 (PMM2), or ≥ 3 (PMM3) unique PMM drug classes over a 12-month period versus patients who adhere persistently to their initial PMM class.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study used the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan databases to identify adult patients with migraine initiating their first PMM class (antidepressants, antiepileptics, beta blockers, or neurotoxins) from 2011-2013 (index date = first PMM claim). Patients were required to have ≥ 2 outpatient (1 if inpatient) migraine diagnosis codes (ICD-9-CM 346.xx) from 1 year pre-index to 1 year post-index with ≥ 1 code occurring pre-index. Inclusion criteria also required 12 months of pre- and post-index continuous medical and prescription enrollment. All-cause and migraine-specific total direct costs (outpatient, inpatient, emergency department, and prescriptions), based on the 2014 Consumer Price Index, were estimated for each PMM versus a persistent subgroup during the 12-month post-index period. Propensity score bin bootstrapping, controlling for patient baseline characteristics, was used to adjust separate cost comparisons between each PMM subgroup and the persistent subgroup; bootstrap simulations yielded propensity score-adjusted P values.

RESULTS

The study population included 55,402 patients who received a PMM. The study population was mainly female (85%) with a mean age of 39.2 years and mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 0.31. Antiepileptics were the most common drug class chosen at index across all subgroups; however, lower use of antiepileptics was observed in PMM2 and PMM3 subgroups, which were more likely to be prescribed either antidepressants or beta blockers at index. Mean all-cause total direct costs, including prescription costs, were significantly higher in PMM2 ($13,429) and PMM3 ($18,394) subgroups versus the persistent subgroup ($11,941; each adjusted pairwise comparison, P < 0.001). Mean migraine-specific total direct costs were significantly lower for the persistent subgroup ($2,420) versus PMM2 and PMM3 subgroups and escalated with increasing numbers of drug class discontinuations or switches, from a mean of $2,997 to $5,004 (both adjusted pairwise comparisons, P < 0.001). Subgroup differences in all-cause and migraine-specific direct costs were primarily due to variations in outpatient and emergency department services.

CONCLUSIONS

All-cause total direct costs rose with increasing number of PMM switches over the 12-month post-index period, and were significantly higher than in the persistent subgroup, with the exception of PMM1. Additional analyses indicated that the lack of increase between PMM-persistent and PMM1 costs was due to higher pharmacy costs that were likely related to continuous use of medication in the PMM-persistent subgroup. These data suggest an increased cost burden among patients with migraine who cycle through ≥ 2 PMMs versus those who continue to receive their initial medication class.

DISCLOSURES

Eli Lilly and Company was the sole sponsor and funder for this study and was responsible for the study design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation of data, and decision to publish the findings. All authors are employees and minor stockholders of Eli Lilly and Company. Nyhuis was employed by Eli Lilly and Company at the time of this study. The findings of this study were presented in part at the 18th Congress of the International Headache Society; September 7-10, 2017; Vancouver, Canada.

100% Response Rate to Galcanezumab in Patients With Episodic Migraine: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Results From Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled EVOLVE-1 and EVOLVE-2 Studies

Objective

To characterize adult patients with episodic migraine who achieved 100% response to galcanezumab treatment.

Background

Galcanezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and has demonstrated efficacy in reducing migraine headache days (MHD) in patients with episodic and chronic migraine.

Methods

A post hoc analysis of the proportion of patients with 100% response (100% reduction from baseline in monthly MHD) was calculated for each month from pooled data of 2 double‐blind, 6‐month galcanezumab studies in patients with episodic migraine (4 to 14 MHD and ≥2 migraine attacks per month at baseline). The patients were randomized (1:1:2) to monthly subcutaneous galcanezumab, 120 mg (after 240 mg initial loading dose) or 240 mg, or placebo. A generalized linear mixed model with effects for baseline MHD, treatment, month, and treatment‐by‐month interaction was used to estimate the mean monthly response rate.

Results

The analysis included 1739 patients treated with galcanezumab, 120 mg (n = 436) or 240 mg (n = 428), or placebo (n = 875). The mean monthly 100% response rate on an average month in the 6‐month double‐blind phase was greater for galcanezumab 120 mg (13.5%) and 240 mg (14.3%) groups vs placebo (5.9%) with odds ratios of 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9, 3.2) and 2.6 (95% CI 2.0, 3.4), respectively (P < .001). The rate of 100% monthly response increased at each month over the 6‐month double‐blind phase with higher rates for galcanezumab dose groups (9 to 21%) than placebo (2 to 10%) (P < .02). Evaluation of 100% response by the number of months showed a greater proportion of galcanezumab‐treated patients in either dose group, compared to placebo, were able to achieve a 100% response (P < .001 up to 3 months); however, though greater than placebo, few galcanezumab patients had ≥4 months of 100% response (P < .02). The proportions of patients with 100% response were greatest in the last 3 months of the treatment. Considering the average number days between nonconsecutive MHD across the 6‐month period (not just during the times of 100% response), the duration of migraine headache‐free periods in the galcanezumab groups was 29 days for those with at least 1 month of 100% response and 55 days for those with at least 3 months of 100% response. This gap was approximately 6 to 11 times greater than the mean gap of 5 days observed at baseline.

Conclusions

More than a third of the patients with episodic migraine treated with galcanezumab 120 mg or 240 mg achieved 100% response for at least 1 month. More patients had 100% monthly response in the last 3 months of the 6‐month double‐blind period. For those with 100% response for at least 1 month, the average time between nonconsecutive MHD for the entire treatment period was nearly 1 month and approached 2 months for patients with 3 or more months of 100% response.

Measures of Functioning in Patients With Episodic Migraine: Findings From a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2b Trial With Galcanezumab

Objective - To evaluate 12-week changes from baseline of 2 disease-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in adults with migraine treated with galcanezumab, an investigational humanized antibody binding calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), or placebo. Background - Preventing headache-related functional impairment is an important goal of migraine preventive treatment and a measurement target for PROs. Understanding which drugs have the potential to improve patient functioning in addition to preventing migraine headaches is vital to lessening patient burden. Design/Methods - This Phase 2b double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolled adults with episodic migraine. Galcanezumab (120 mg subcutaneous injection; n = 60) or placebo (n = 127) was administered every 28 days for 12 weeks. Post hoc secondary analyses were conducted for those who completed 12 weeks of treatment on 2 PROs: The Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) v2.1 and the Headache Impact Test™ (HIT-6). Results - Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences in least square mean changes from baseline between galcanezumab and placebo for all MSQ domains including total mean change placebo of 18.63, galcanezumab of 27.36 (95% CI 2.449, 15.008; P-value of .0067); Role Function-Restrictive mean change placebo of 22.40, galcanezumab of 31.92 (95% CI 2.636, 16.518; P-value of .0071); Role Function-Preventive mean change placebo of 13.43, galcanezumab of 19.76 (95% CI 0.476, 12.185; P-value of .0342); and Emotional Function mean change placebo of 16.88, galcanezumab of 26.61 (95% CI 2.789, 16.674; P-value of .0063). At baseline, mean number of migraine headache days (MHDs) did not correlate with MSQ total scores or HIT-6. At 12 weeks post-treatment, MHD correlated with MSQ and HIT-6 scores (all P < .0001). Change in MHD was associated with change in MSQ domains and change in HIT-6 scores (all P < .0001). Conclusions - In comparison with placebo, treatment with galcanezumab was associated with significant functional improvements as reflected by changes in MSQ scores. Change in MHD was associated with improvements in MSQ and reductions in HIT-6 scores, indicating the clinical importance of these changes in relation to PROs that measure function.

Efficacy and safety of galcanezumab for the prevention of episodic migraine: Results of the EVOLVE-2 Phase 3 randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction Galcanezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody binding calcitonin gene-related peptide, used for migraine prevention. Methods A global, double-blind, 6-month study of patients with episodic migraine was undertaken with 915 intent-to-treat patients randomized to monthly galcanezumab 120 mg (n = 231) or 240 mg (n = 223) or placebo (n = 461) subcutaneous injections. Primary endpoint was overall mean change from baseline in monthly migraine headache days. Key secondary endpoints were ≥50%,  ≥ 75%, and 100% response rates; monthly migraine headache days with acute migraine medication use; Patient Global Impression of Severity rating; the Role Function-Restrictive score of the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results Mean monthly migraine headache days were reduced by 4.3 and 4.2 days by galcanezumab 120 and 240 mg, respectively, and 2.3 days by placebo. The group differences (95% CIs) versus placebo were 2.0 (-2.6, -1.5) and 1.9 (-2.4, -1.4), respectively. Both doses were superior to placebo for all key secondary endpoints. Injection site pain was the most common treatment-emergent adverse event, reported at similar rates in all treatment groups. Both galcanezumab doses had significantly more injection site reactions and injection site pruritus, and the 240 mg group had significantly more injection site erythema versus placebo. Conclusions Galcanezumab 120 or 240 mg given once monthly was efficacious, safe, and well tolerated. Study identification EVOLVE-2; NCT02614196; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02614196 . Trial Registration NCT02614196.

Lack of association between urotensin-II (UTS2) gene polymorphisms (Thr21Met and Ser89Asn) and migraine

Migraine is a common neurovascular brain disorder with heterogeneous clinical presentation, including recurrent headache attacks. The pathophysiology of migraine is complex, and a number of genomic regions have been associated with the development of migraine. In this study, we analyzed the allele and genotype frequencies of the urotensin-II gene (UTS2) polymorphisms, Thr21Met and Ser89Asn, among Turkish patients with migraine. A total of 146 patients with migraine (14 with aura [MA group] and 132 without aura [MO group]) were genotyped for Thr21Met and Ser89Asn polymorphisms and compared with 154 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The UTS2 gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). No significant differences were observed in allele and genotype frequencies for Thr21Met and Ser89Asn polymorphisms between the patients with migraine and control group. Similarly, we did not observe significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between MA and MO and control group. Moreover, the haplotype analysis showed no association between UTS2 gene haplotypes (MN, MS, TN, and TS) and migraine. In summary, Thr21Met and Ser89Asn polymorphisms of the UTS2 gene are not risk factors for migraine in our sample of Turkish migraine patients.