EAN 2022 | Latest guidelines on anti-CGRP antibodies: first-line and long-term use

Messoud Ashina, MD, PhD, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, shares the latest expert opinions on the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway for migraine prevention. Updated consensus statements from the European Headache Federation expressed clinician’s desire to offer CGRP monoclonal antibodies as a first line treatment option. Given their favorable adverse event profile, ease of use, and proven efficacy that is at least comparable to previously used preventive drugs, the statement reported no clinical reasons to postpone the initiation of this treatment option. Regulatory rules make first line use challenging at present. Recent data from real-world practice and open-label extension studies has also demonstrated the long-term safety of CGRP-targeted antibodies. Prof. Ashina explains current recommendations to review treatment at 12-18 months and consider a drug holiday. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2022 Congress in Vienna, Austria.