Efficacy of ubrogepant based on prior exposure and response to triptans: A post hoc analysis

Headache. 2021 Mar;61(3):422-429. doi: 10.1111/head.14089. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the potential efficacy of ubrogepant for acute treatment of migraine based on historical experience with triptans.

Background: Although triptans have improved migraine treatment, their efficacy and tolerability may limit their utility in some individuals. Ubrogepant is a small-molecule, oral calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration for acute treatment of migraine in adults.

Methods: This post hoc analysis of pooled data from the pivotal trials ACHIEVE I and II, identically designed, randomized, double-blind, phase 3, single-attack trials of ubrogepant in adults with a history of migraine with/without aura, examined the efficacy and tolerability of ubrogepant 50 mg versus placebo based on participants' historical experience with triptans: triptan responder, triptan-insufficient responder, and triptan naïve. Co-primary efficacy endpoints were pain freedom and absence of most bothersome migraine-associated symptom (MBS) 2 h post initial dose. Adverse events (AEs) within historical triptan experience subgroups were evaluated.

Results: In the pooled analysis population (n = 1799), 682 (placebo, n = 350; ubrogepant 50 mg, n = 332), 451 (placebo, n = 223; ubrogepant, n = 228), and 666 (placebo, n = 339; ubrogepant, n = 327) participants were triptan responders, triptan-insufficient responders, and triptan-naïve, respectively. Response rates on co-primary efficacy endpoints were higher for ubrogepant versus placebo across all groups. Treatment-by-subgroup interaction p values based on odds ratios for pain freedom (p = 0.290) and absence of MBS (p = 0.705) indicated no significant impact of historical triptan experience on ubrogepant efficacy. AE incidence for ubrogepant did not differ appreciably across historical triptan experience subgroups.

Conclusions: Ubrogepant efficacy and tolerability did not differ for the acute treatment of migraine in participants classified as triptan responders, triptan-insufficient responders, and triptan-naïve based on their historical experience with triptans.

Keywords: ACHIEVE; calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist; migraine; pain freedom; pain relief; triptan.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Pyridines / adverse effects
  • Pyridines / pharmacology*
  • Pyrroles / adverse effects
  • Pyrroles / pharmacology*
  • Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists / adverse effects
  • Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists
  • Pyridines
  • Pyrroles
  • Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists
  • ubrogepant

Grants and funding