Now that the vascular hypothesis of migraine is no longer the prevailing theory of migraine pathogenesis, there is interest in developing acute migraine treatments that act exclusively on non-vascular targets. There is a large percentage of non-responders to current acute migraine treatments and the vasoconstriction associated with triptans limit their use in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. Preferential 5-HT1F agonists have shown promising results in in vitro and early proof-of-concept trials. Lasmiditan, a highly selective 5-HT1F agonist, has completed two Phase III randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, with a third - a long-term, open-label safety study - still underway. Research to date suggests lasmiditan lacks vasoconstrictive properties and may be a safe and effective treatment option in patients refractory to current acute migraine medications or who have cardiovascular risk factors.
Keywords: 5HT-1F; headache; lasmiditan; migraine; serotonin.