Erenumab in the prophylaxis of migraine: a profile of its use

Erenumab (Aimovig (R), erenumab-aooe), a fully human monoclonal antibody (MAb) calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, is the first MAb approved for the prophylaxis of migraine in adults. Erenumab is subcutaneously administered and has a convenient once-monthly/every-4-week dosing regimen. In patients with episodic or chronic migraine, erenumab is effective and generally well tolerated, significantly reducing the frequency of migraines and the use of migrainespecific medications during weeks 9-12 and months 4-6 relative to placebo. Erenumab also displays efficacy in numerous subgroup analyses, including in patients with episodic or chronic migraine with prior prophylactic treatment failure and/ or patients with a history of aura. Although the efficacy and tolerability profiles of erenumab remain to be determined in specific populations (for example, in patients with major cardiovascular disease), it is a promising candidate for alleviating the widespread personal, societal and economic burdens that are presently associated with migraine.