Systematic Review on the Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab for the Prevention of Migraine

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to provide efficacy and safety information on the use of erenumab for prevention of episodic and chronic migraines. Methods: The keywords “Erenumab and migraine” were used to search the PubMed database to then compile efficacy and safety data for erenumab. Data from relevant Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials were analyzed, using RevMan for statistical analysis. Results: Three clinical trials (one Phase 2 and two Phase 3 studies) were retrieved. All three trials used the same primary endpoint (change from baseline in monthly migraine days (CBMD)) to evaluate efficacy and safety of erenumab use for prevention of episodic and chronic migraines. Subcutaneous doses of erenumab (70 or 140 mg) were administered monthly in each trial, for 3 months (Studies 2, and 3) or 6 months (Study 1). The mean differences in CBMD in the 70 mg and 140 mg erenumab arms were -1.36 and -1.98, respectively, compared to that in the placebo arm. Some adverse events, such as nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection, were reported, but no differences in safety between erenumab and placebo were found to be significant. Conclusions: Erenumab showed superior efficacy in prevention of migraines compared to placebo. However, additional information regarding the long-term safety of erenumab should be collected. Therefore, post-marketing surveillance for adverse events is needed.