Clinical Edge Journal Scan

Fremanezumab effective and safe in older patients with chronic or episodic migraine


 

Key clinical point: Fremanezumab was effective and well tolerated over 12 weeks in older patients with chronic or episodic migraine.

Major finding: Quarterly and monthly fremanezumab vs. placebo showed greater reduction in monthly average migraine days (least-squares mean change from baseline [ D] 4.3 and 4.6 vs. 2.3), headache days of at least moderate severity ( D 3.9 and 4.2 vs. 2.1), and acute medication use ( D 3.7 and 4.0 vs. 1.3) over 12 weeks (all P < .05). Adverse events were similar across groups.

Study details: Findings are pooled subgroup analysis of 3 phase 3 studies ( HALO CM , HALO EM , and FOCUS) including 246 participants aged ≥60 years with chronic or episodic migraine with an inadequate response to 2-4 prior migraine preventives. They were randomly assigned to quarterly fremanezumab, monthly fremanezumab, or matched monthly placebo.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Some investigators, including the lead author, reported participating in clinical trials and receiving honoraria, research support, and legal or personal fees from and being former or current employees of various sources, including Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Source: Nahas SJ et al. J Headache Pain. 2021;22:141 (Nov 24). Doi: 10.1186/s10194-021-01351-2.

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