Erenumab and other CGRP receptor antagonists- potential for action against brain tumours?
At the moment I'm keeping an eye on trial results and emerging research of this relatively new medication (Erenumab) for episodic migraine to understand how it could have anti-cancer activity against angiogenesis in malignant brain tumours. Furness and Wookey, 2012 Erenumab is a human monoclonal antibody against the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP receptor) and its primary use is for the prevention of migraine. This simply means that it acts as an antagonist for the CGRP receptor. CGRP comprises of 37 amino acids and is produced in the peripheral and central neurons. The main function of this peptide is to transmit pain. Early studies in humans have shown that the drug could prevent migraines by up to 50% in phase 2 clinical trials (8) so wider spread use and future applications would be interesting to see. Long term safety requires further study as this is a relatively new drug. Research into CGPR receptor antagonists have been in development over the last few year...