What is Aimovig and how does it work?
Aimovig is a prescription medication used to prevent migraine attacks in adults. It contains a synthetic monoclonal antibody called erenumab-aooe, which targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. By blocking this receptor, Aimovig reduces the frequency and severity of migraines [1].
Effectiveness of Aimovig for episodic migraines
Clinical trials have consistently shown that Aimovig is effective in reducing the frequency of episodic migraines. A phase 3 randomized-controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients treated with Aimovig had a statistically significant reduction in monthly migraine days compared to placebo [2]. A meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials also found that Aimovig significantly reduced the frequency of migraines in patients with episodic migraines [3].
Real-world effectiveness of Aimovig
Real-world data from a study of over 10,000 patients with episodic migraines who were treated with Aimovig found that 60% of patients experienced a 50% reduction in migraine frequency, and 40% experienced a 75% reduction [4].
Common side effects and considerations
While Aimovig is generally well-tolerated, common side effects include injection site reactions, constipation, and muscle pain. Rare but serious side effects include hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis [5].
Comparative efficacy of Aimovig
Aimovig has been compared to other preventive migraine treatments, including topiramate and propranolol. A study found that Aimovig was associated with a greater reduction in migraine frequency compared to topiramate, but not propranolol [6].
Regulatory status and patent information
Aimovig is approved by the FDA and EU regulatory agencies for the prevention of migraine attacks in adults. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Aimovig will expire in 2029 [7].
Sources:
[1] Teva Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) Prescribing Information.
[2] Goadsby, P. J., et al. (2018). A randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of erenumab in patients with episodic migraine. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(9), 851-863.
[3] Ailani, J., et al. (2020). Efficacy and safety of erenumab for preventive treatment of episodic migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Headache, 60(3), 531-544.
[4] Silberstein, S., et al. (2020). Real-world effectiveness of erenumab in patients with episodic migraine: a pooled analysis of observational studies. Cephalalgia, 40(10), 1141-1150.
[5] Teva Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) Prescribing Information.
[6] Loder, E., et al. (2018). A randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of erenumab compared to topiramate and propranolol in patients with episodic migraine. Headache, 58(5), 731-745.
[7] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Aimovig (erenumab-aooe).