[Gepants and Ditans]

Brain Nerve. 2021 Apr;73(4):315-325. doi: 10.11477/mf.1416201762.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been shown to play a major role in the pathophysiology of migraine in recent years. Studies have suggested that blocking CGRP signaling is an effective preventive and therapeutic strategy in patients with migraine. Triptans, considered the mainstay of antimigraine treatment cause vasoconstriction; however, gepants and ditans (two novel classes of therapeutic agents) inhibit CGRP release but do not show a vasoconstrictor effect. Both these drugs are awaiting clinical approval in Japan as antimigraine medications that can be administered to patients with cardiovascular risk factors and to those with triptan-refractory migraine.

MeSH terms

  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists*
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Migraine Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Tryptamines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists
  • Tryptamines
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide