Background This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized migraine-related disability outcomes according to headache frequency subclassifications, including low-frequency episodic migraine (LFEM), high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) and chronic migraine (CM). Methods We searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) up to 16 October 2024 for peer-reviewed non-interventional studies reporting migraine-related disability outcomes in CM and subclassifications of episodic migraine (e.g. LFEM and HFEM). Eligible studies with an HFEM subgroup were grouped by headache frequency measure (monthly migraine days [MMD] or monthly headache days [MHD]), HFEM subgroup, disability parameter and study setting. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on groups with three or more studies, with the results presented in forest plots. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results Of the 32 included studies, 27 were grouped, yielding five meta-analysis groups containing three or more studies. All five groups had an HFEM subgroup of 8–14 MHD. Accordingly, we classified LFEM as 0–7 MHD and CM as ≥15 MHD. Ten studies contributed data to the five meta-analysis groups. Estimated pooled values are reported by headache frequency subgroup for each meta-analysis group: LFEM (95% confidence interval [CI]), HFEM (95% CI) and CM (95% CI). For meta-analysis group 1, four population-based studies reported Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Grade IV proportions, with pooled values of 11.1% (7.1–17.1), 43.9% (31.8–56.9) and 57.5% (42.7–71.1), respectively. For meta-analysis group 2, five population-based studies documented Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) outcomes. Pooled mean overall work productivity impairment (OWPI) scores were 36.9% (30.8–43.1), 44.7% (38.4–51.0) and 52.0% (47.7–56.3), respectively. Pooled mean activity impairment (AI) scores were 36.4% (33.7–39.1), 46.4% (42.8–50.0) and 53.5% (52.1–54.8), respectively. For meta-analysis group 3, three clinic-based studies presented MIDAS Grade IV proportions. Pooled values were 15.0% (4.4–40.5), 42.4% (17.1–72.4) and 65.7% (30.3–89.4), respectively. For meta-analysis group 4, three clinic-based studies reported WPAI outcomes. Pooled mean OWPI scores were 28.8% (21.6–35.9), 40.2% (36.2–44.2) and 49.6% (46.3–52.9), respectively. Pooled mean AI scores were 29.4% (21.9–36.9), 43.5% (39.0–48.1) and 51.6% (48.8–54.4), respectively. For meta-analysis group 5, three clinic-based studies detailed MIDAS scores. Pooled mean scores were 10.7 (3.9–17.5), 23.9 (9.4–38.4) and 49.6 (15.8–83.3), respectively. Conclusions This study showed a pattern of increasing migraine-related disability with rising headache frequency. Regardless of study setting, our meta-analyses also suggested a severe level of disability in many individuals (42%–44%) with HFEM, highlighting an unmet need for more effective migraine management. Disability burden and headache frequency should both be considered when determining treatment needs and therapy access, particularly for patients with HFEM. Study Registration: INPLASY2024120039.
Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab in Adults With Medication Overuse Headache: Final Results From a Phase 4 Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Study
ABSTRACTBackgroundErenumab‐induced medication overuse headache (MOH) remission in participants with chronic migraine (CM) in a prospective, Phase 4, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial with an open‐label treatment period (OLTP). We present 1‐year results from the combined double‐blind treatment period (DBTP) and OLTP for the stratified nonopioid cohort.MethodsParticipants with CM‐MOH were randomized 1:1:1 to subcutaneous 70 or 140 mg erenumab every 4 weeks (QM) or placebo for the initial 24 weeks (DBTP). Those successfully completing DBTP could continue the 28‐week OLTP, maintaining the same erenumab dose received during DBTP or, if receiving placebo, randomly assigned 1:1 to erenumab 70 or 140 mg QM. OLTP endpoints were exploratory.ResultsOverall, 552 participants received erenumab (70 mg, n = 274; 140 mg, n = 278); 95.3% completed OLTP. One‐year MOH relapse in participants who achieved MOH remission at DBTP Month 6 was 2.7% (3/111) and 2.4% (3/124) with erenumab 70 and 140 mg, respectively; absence of MOH at study end was observed in 69.0% (189/274) and 75.5% (210/278) of participants. Sustained MOH absence over 1 year was reported in 60.5% (107/177) and 68.8% (119/173) of participants, respectively. Sustained improvements in measures of headache days, medication days, and function were observed in both groups. No new safety concerns were identified (grade ≥ 3, 35 [6.3%]; serious, 17 [3.1%]; adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation, 5 [0.9%]).ConclusionsErenumab was effective in inducing and sustaining MOH remission and improving function over 1 year. Treatment compliance remained high, with safety events consistent with erenumab's known safety profile.Trial RegistrationNCT03971071
Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab for Nonopioid Medication Overuse Headache in Chronic Migraine
ImportancePatients with chronic migraine and medication overuse headaches (CM-MOH) represent a particularly burdened subpopulation. This trial provides first, to our knowledge, American Academy of Neurology class I evidence for a preventive therapy in CM-MOH.ObjectiveTo assess erenumab efficacy and safety in patients with nonopioid CM-MOH.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsThis randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial took place at 67 centers in North America, Europe, and Australia from October 7, 2019, to November 2, 2022. This report reflects the primary analysis conducted in January 2023, using a database snapshot from December 1, 2022, which contains the complete dataset of the double-blind treatment period (DBTP). Participants included adults with CM-MOH who had 1 or more preventive treatment failure(s). There were 992 participants screened and 620 participants enrolled (584 in nonopioid cohort and 36 in opioid cohort)InterventionsErenumab, 70 mg, 140 mg, or placebo, once monthly for 24 weeks.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary end point was MOH remission at month 6. Secondary end points included change from baseline in mean monthly acute headache medication days (AHMD) at month 6 and sustained MOH remission throughout the DBTP. Safety end points were adverse events and changes in vital signs.ResultsThe primary analysis population included 584 participants in the nonopioid-treated cohort with a mean age of 44 years and 482 participants were female (82.5%). Baseline demographics and disease characteristics were balanced across groups. At month 6, 134 participants in the erenumab, 140 mg group (69.1%) (odds ratio [OR], 2.01; 95% CI, 1.33-3.05; P < .001 vs placebo) and 117 in the erenumab, 70 mg group (60.3%) (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.92-2.05; P = .13 vs placebo) achieved MOH remission vs 102 participants in the placebo group (52.6%). AHMD use was also reduced in the erenumab groups vs placebo. Least squares mean (standard error) change from baseline in average monthly AHMD was –9.4 (0.4) days in the erenumab, 140 mg group (difference from placebo, –2.7; 95% CI, –3.9 to –1.6; P < .001) and –7.8 (0.4) days in the erenumab, 70 mg group (difference from placebo, –1.2; 95% CI, –2.4 to –0.1; P = .03), vs –6.6 (0.4) days in the placebo group. MOH remission throughout the DBTP was sustained in 119 participants (61.3%,) 96 participants (49.5%), and 73 participants (37.6%) in the erenumab, 140 mg, 70 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of erenumab. Treatment-emergent adverse events incidence in the combined erenumab group was 66.8% (259 participants; constipation 15.2% (59 participants) and COVID-19 13.9% (54 participants) were most common.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, monthly, 140 mg, erenumab injections safely and effectively achieved MOH remission in patients with nonopioid CM-MOH within 6 months.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03971071
ARISE: A Phase 3 randomized trial of erenumab for episodic migraine
Background Calcitonin gene-related peptide plays an important role in migraine pathophysiology. Erenumab, a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, is being evaluated for migraine prevention. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study, 577 adults with episodic migraine were randomized to placebo or 70 mg erenumab; 570 patients were included in efficacy analyses. Primary endpoint was change in monthly migraine days. Secondary endpoints were ≥50% reduction in monthly migraine days, change in acute migraine-specific medication treatment days, and ≥5-point reduction in Physical Impairment and Impact on Everyday Activities domain scores measured by the Migraine Physical Function Impact Diary. All endpoints assessed change from baseline at month 3. Results Patients receiving erenumab experienced −2.9 days change in monthly migraine days, compared with −1.8 days for placebo, least-squares mean (95% CI) treatment difference of −1.0 (−1.6, −0.5) ( p < 0.001). A ≥ 50% reduction in monthly migraine days was achieved by 39.7% (erenumab) and 29.5% (placebo) of patients (OR:1.59 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.27) ( p = 0.010). Migraine-specific medication treatment days were reduced by −1.2 (erenumab) and −0.6 (placebo) days, a treatment difference of −0.6 (−1.0, −0.2) ( p = 0.002). The ≥5-point reduction rates in Migraine Physical Function Impact Diary – Physical Impairment were 33.0% and 27.1% (OR:1.33 (0.92, 1.90) ( p = 0.13) and in Migraine Physical Function Impact Diary – Everyday Activities were 40.4% and 35.8% (OR:1.22 (0.87, 1.71) ( p = 0.26). Safety and adverse event profiles of erenumab were similar to placebo. Most frequent adverse events were upper respiratory tract infection, injection site pain, and nasopharyngitis. Conclusions As a preventive treatment of episodic migraine, erenumab at a dosage of 70 mg monthly significantly reduced migraine frequency and acute migraine-specific medication use. (Funded by Amgen). Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02483585.