Switching from ligand to receptor anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibodies or vice versa in non-responders: A controlled cohort study

Background and purpose

Limited options exist for migraine prevention after stopping anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies. A systematic review examining the benefits of switching between different classes (ligand vs. receptor monoclonal antibody) is essential, alongside well-designed real-world studies.

Methods

In this cohort study 67 patients were included, who discontinued their first treatment with erenumab or fremanezumab. Patients (n = 31) switched to another monoclonal antibody class within 3 months, whilst those in the control group (n = 36) received standard care. Allocation to either group relied largely on the availability of alternative monoclonal antibody treatments, introducing pseudo-random allocation. Changes in monthly migraine days were compared between groups 3 months post-discontinuation of the first monoclonal antibody or initiation of a different monoclonal antibody class. A multivariate regression model was conducted that accounted for potential confounding factors.

Results

The groups were comparable at baseline and poor treatment response was the main reason for treatment discontinuation of the first monoclonal antibody. The switching cohort experienced a reduction of 3.9 monthly migraine days (95% confidence interval −6.4, −1.3, p = 0.004) compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a different anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal class yields reduction in monthly migraine days compared to returning to standard care for patients with inadequate initial treatment response.