Clinical Science: Peripheral and Central Trigeminal Targets for Acute Migraine Therapy: Early Clinical Trial Results

Abstract

In the decade since the introduction of sumatriptan on the market, second- and third-generation triptans have been advanced with the goal of reducing side effects while maintaining or improving efficacy. While these efforts have yielded relatively minor changes to the sumatriptan molecule, the new triptans enhance the ability of clinicians to individualize therapy. More recent strategies focus on novel neuronal targets for acute migraine treatments without the liability of adverse cardiovascular effects. Current research is focusing on calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, glutamate modulators, selective serotonin 1F or 1D agonists, and adenosine type 1 agonists. Clinical data on these approaches are emerging and seem encouraging. However, these potential therapies are in an early stage of development, and to date, none has reached phase III clinical research.