Drug updated on 7/22/2024
Dosage Form | Injection (subcutaneous; 100 mg/mL, 120 mg/mL) |
Drug Class | Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists |
Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated in adults for the preventive treatment of migraine.
- Indicated in adults for the treatment of episodic cluster headache.
Latest News
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Summary
- Galcanezumab-gnlm (Emgality) is indicated for the prevention of migraine and the treatment of episodic cluster headaches in adults. It targets and inhibits the action of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a protein implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
- A comprehensive review was conducted on 23 systematic reviews/meta-analyses focusing on the safety and effectiveness of Emgality within migraine and episodic cluster headache treatment contexts.
- Galcanezumab consistently demonstrates significant reductions in monthly migraine days (MMDs) and the frequency of episodic cluster headaches compared to placebo. Doses typically range between 120mg to 240mg subcutaneously.
- When directly compared with other CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibodies such as erenumab, fremanezumab, or eptinezumab, galcanezumab often ranks high for reducing MMDs while maintaining a favorable responder rate over 50%.
- The drug has been found to be well-tolerated with the most common adverse events being injection-site reactions, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections, which are generally of mild to moderate severity. The incidence of serious adverse events is low and comparable to placebo groups.
- Galcanezumab significantly aids in reversing medication overuse status among patients suffering from chronic migraines, highlighting its role in managing this condition effectively.
- Studies suggest superior efficacy even among difficult-to-treat populations who have had prior treatment failures, making it a valuable option for these patients as well.
- As one of the few treatments specifically indicated for episodic cluster headaches, galcanezumab outperforms traditional therapies like verapamil by providing significant relief through a reduction in headache frequency.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
Document Title | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) Prescribing Information. | 2021 | Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Document Title | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
VA/DOD clinical practice guideline for management of headache. | 2023 | Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Defense |
European Headache Federation guideline on the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene related peptide pathway for migraine prevention – 2022 update. | 2022 | The Journal of Headache and Pain |
The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. | 2021 | Headache. The Journal of Head and Face Pain |
European headache federation guideline on the use of monoclonal antibodies acting on the calcitonin gene related peptide or its receptor for migraine prevention. | 2019 | The Journal of Headache and Pain |
The primary care management of headache: Synopsis of the 2020 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense clinical practice guideline. | 2019 | Military Medicine |