Introduction: Migraine is the most common of all neurological disorders. A breakthrough in migraine treatment emerged in the early nineties with the introduction of 5-HT1B/D receptor agonists called triptans. Triptans are used as the standard of care for acute migraine; however, they have significant limitations such as incomplete and inconsistent pain relief, high rates of headache recurrence, class- specific side effects and cardiovascular contraindications. First- and second-generation calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists, namely gepants, is a class of drugs primarily developed for the acute treatment of migraine. CGRP is the most evaluated target for migraine treatments that are in development.
Areas covered: This article reviews the available data for first- and second-generation CGRP receptor antagonists, the role of CGRPs in human physiology and migraine pathophysiology and the possible mechanism of action and safety of CGRP-targeted drugs.
Expert opinion: Available data suggest that second generation of gepants has clinical efficacy similar to triptans and lasmiditan (5-HT1F receptor agonist) and has improved tolerability. Future studies will assess their safety, especially in specific populations such as patients with cardiovascular disease and pregnant women.
Keywords: Atogepant; CGRP; calcitonin gene-related peptide; gepant; migraine; migraine acute treatment; rimegepant; ubrogepant.