A new study indicates that ubrogepant, known commercially as Ubrelvy, could prevent migraines from fully developing if taken at the earliest warning signs. The research, published in Neurology, offers a potential breakthrough for migraine sufferers, allowing them to manage the condition more effectively and maintain their daily routines.
The clinical trial, funded by AbbVie, involved 518 participants experiencing two to eight migraines per month. All participants reported experiencing pre-migraine symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, neck pain, dizziness, or visual aura.
Study Design and Results
Participants were administered either a 100-milligram dose of ubrogepant or a placebo at the onset of their pre-migraine symptoms. They then switched treatments for their subsequent migraine attack. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients reporting minimal to no migraine symptoms 24 hours after taking the medication.
The results showed that 65% of those who took ubrogepant reported little to no migraine symptoms after 24 hours, compared to 48% of those who took a placebo. Furthermore, individuals taking ubrogepant were 73% more likely to report no disability and were able to function normally within a couple of hours.
Mechanism of Action
Ubrogepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, or CGRP inhibitor. These drugs work by blocking CGRP, a protein that plays a key role in pain transmission during migraines. By targeting CGRP, ubrogepant aims to disrupt the migraine process at its earliest stages.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Richard Lipton, vice chair of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a researcher involved in the study, noted, "Based on our findings, treatment with ubrogepant may allow people with migraine who experience early warning signs before a migraine occurs to quickly treat migraine attacks in their earliest stages and go about their daily lives with little discomfort and disruption. This could lead to an improved quality of life for those living with migraine."
Implications for Migraine Treatment
Migraine is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. Improving care at the first signs of a migraine, even before the headache pain begins, can lead to improved outcomes. While the study relied on self-reported data, the findings suggest that ubrogepant could significantly enhance the quality of life for migraine sufferers by providing a more proactive and effective management strategy.
