New drug for migraine prevention: ajovy (fremanezumab)

Ajovy (fremanezumab) is a new drug for migraine prevention. In this article we tell you what it is and how it works.

The prevention of migraine is an important challenge for society due to the fact that it is one of the most common disabling diseases today. In this sense, Ajovy (fremanezumab) is a new drug that can be very useful for this indication.

Migraine is not a simple headache: it is a neurological disease. And there are more than 50 million patients in Europe who suffer the consequences of this unpredictable disorder. It is a disease that greatly weakens patients, both physically and psychologically. It is usually common between 25 and 55 years of age and implies a great impact on the quality of life of patients. It is more common in women and has a certain genetic component.

It is recognized as a disabling disease. It is true that more and more emphasis is placed on improving its prophylaxis in order to control it and reduce its impact. However, in many cases it is not diagnosed or an appropriate intervention is established.

New therapeutic alternatives, such as Ajovy, are essential to advance the treatment of the disease. Both migraine prevention and symptomatic treatments are important to reduce the burden that this disorder represents on patients.

This new drug has been studied in patients with disabling migraine. Ajovy has been shown to reduce up to 50% of migraine days per month. Various studies ensure its effectiveness as a prevention measure.

Another drug that has been used until now for migraine prophylaxis is propranolol.. This medication, marketed as Sumial, is a relaxing drug that is also used for anxiety.

What is Ajovy and how does it work?

Ajovy is the brand name of the monoclonal antibody fremanezumab. It is an injectable solution indicated for migraine prevention in adults who have at least four migraine days per month. Regarding its recognition and course, we can say that it has been approved in both the United States and Europe.

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Fremanezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. It works by binding to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Thus, it prevents it from binding to its receptor. That is why it is said to be anti-CGRP. CGRP is one of the most abundant neuropeptides that occur in both central and peripheral neurons. It is a powerful vasodilator and has an influence on the transmission of pain.

It is shown that CGRP levels are increased in migraine. When this neuropeptide is released in the nerve endings and binds to its receptor, it causes a release of inflammatory mediators; as well as powerful vasodilation.

Therefore, by acting on CGRP, Fremanezumab would prevent the activation of the sensory fibers of the trigeminal nerve, responsible for the activation of pain. However, the mechanisms by which these substances act are still not completely known.

Administration in the prevention of migraine

Ajovy comes in an easy-to-use prefilled pen that is injected under the skin, subcutaneously. Each prefilled injection contains 225 milligrams of the antibody. It can be administered in monthly or quarterly doses:

If administered monthly, one subcutaneous injection is enough.In the case of administering quarterly, three syringes would be injected at a time. This is 675 milligrams, so the dose does not have to be repeated until three months later.

This form of administration represents a great advantage because it greatly increases the flexibility of the treatment. If the quarterly option is chosen, four administrations per year would be sufficient to cover what is stipulated in the treatment.

Side effects

The adverse reactions observed were, in general, mild in nature. have been detected skin reactions around the injection sitefor example:

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Pain.Redness.Hardening.Itching.Rash.

However, since it is a new drug, It is necessary to continue studying its safety and long-term effectiveness. Thus, if unwanted reactions are detected, a specialist should be consulted.

In migraine, Not all patients have the same treatments.. This is also because not all migraines are the same. There are various drugs and it is the specialist doctor who must adjust them to each specific case, thus personalizing the treatment.