Concepts of New Treatments

11/30/2020

This week I decided to look into and understand how these new type of peptide-based drugs affect the nervous system to decrease the frequency and severity of Migraines. I specifically focused on Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Antagonists and how they work to inhibit the CGRP molecule. I learnt that the CGRP molecule is a one of several neuropeptides released by the nerve ending of the trigeminal nerve, but is different in that it has been recorded to be elevated during a migraine attack compared to the other neuropeptides secreted. This led to researchers deducting the relationship between the molecule and headaches. I found out that this new type of new medication is based on inhibiting this molecule through using monoclonal antibodies that attack the alpha particle of CGRP and bind to its receptors making sure it cannot dock to its corresponding particle in the nervous system. I also furthered my understanding of the Triptan painkiller medical family and how it reduces pain by affecting the blood vessels in the brain to constrict thus reducing pain. I wondering if the overuse of this type of drug for chronic migraines could lead to a resurgence of migraines attacks and many physicians also concluded the same thing. As I continue to research this topic I will look to understand the different types of monoclonal antibody medications and see if the CGRP molecule has nay correlation of other neurological conditions such as seizures and depression that are often co-morbid will migraines.