Phase 4
N=64
Novel Insight Into Migraine Pathophysiolgy and Galcanezumab Mechanisms of Action
Chronic Migraine
Bottom Line
View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04271202 ↗Enrolled (actual)
64
Serious AEs
1.6%
Results posted
Mar 2026
Primary outcome: Primary: Change in Gray Matter Thickness in the Somatosensory Cortex — -0.043; 0 mm
Study Design & Population
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Interventions
- Emgality 120 MG in 1 ML Prefilled Syringe (Drug)
- Age
- Adult, Older Adult · 18+ yrs
- Sex
- All
- Sponsor
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Primary completion
- Nov 2023
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Change in Gray Matter Thickness in the Somatosensory Cortex |
-0.043; 0 | — |
| PRIMARY Change in Gray Matter Thickness in Right Frontal Cortex |
-0.047; 0 | — |
| PRIMARY Change in Gray Matter Thickness in Right Supra Marginal Cortex |
-0.039; 0 | — |
| PRIMARY Change in Gray Matter Thickness in Left Frontal Cortex |
-0.059; 0 | — |
| PRIMARY Change in Gray Matter Thickness in the Left Superior Frontal Gyrus |
0; -0.061 | — |
| PRIMARY Change in Gray Matter Thickness in the Left Medial Superior Frontal Gyrus |
0; -0.055 | — |
Summary
The purpose of this study is to understand better the mechanisms of action of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) targeted monoclonal antibodies in migraine prevention. Specifically, the protocol will allow the investigators to determine whether the main site of action of this novel and recently-approved class of migraine prophylactic drugs act inside or outside the brain and if so, where.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Between the ages of 18 and 65 years
- Been previously diagnosed with migraine (with or without aura), in accordance with the ICHD-3 (International Classification of Headache Disorders) criteria
- Experiences between 10 to 25 headaches days per month (during the last 3 months), with at least 8 of them being migraine days during which the migraines lasted more than 4 hours if untreated
- Onset of migraine at age 50 years or younger
- Agrees to refrain from initiating or changing the type, dosage, or frequency of any prophylactic medications for indications other than migraine that may interfere with the study objectives (e.g., antidepressants, anticonvulsants, beta-adrenergic blockers, etc.)
- Able to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- Currently on a regimen of 1 or more migraine preventative therapy
- Other significant pain problem (e.g., cancer pain, fibromyalgia, other head or facial pain disorder) that may confound the study assessments
- Known or suspected severe cardiac disease (e.g., symptomatic coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure)
- Known or suspected cerebrovascular disease (e.g., prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, symptomatic carotid artery disease, prior carotid endarterectomy or other vascular neck surgery)
- Abnormal baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) within the last year (e.g., second or third-degree heart block, prolonged QT interval, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, history of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, clinically significant premature ventricular contraction)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (systolic >160 mm Hg, diastolic >100 mm Hg) after 3 measurements within 24 hours
- Known history or suspicion of secondary headache
- Known history or suspicion of substance abuse or addiction (within the last 5 years)
- Currently using marijuana (including medical marijuana) or has used marijuana (including medical marijuana) or cannabidiol oil within the last 1 year
- Currently takes simple analgesics or NSAIDs >15 days per month or triptans, ergots, or combined analgesics >10 days per month for headaches or other body pain
- Currently takes prescription opioids for headaches or body pain
- Undergone nerve block (occipital or other) in the head or neck within the last 3 months
- Received botulinum toxin or anti-CGRP-mAb injections within the last 6 months
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant during the study period, or of childbearing years and unwilling to use an accepted form of birth control
- Participating in any other therapeutic clinical investigation or has participated in a clinical trial in the preceding 30 days
- Belongs to a vulnerable population or has any condition such that his or her ability to provide informed consent, comply with the follow-up requirements, or provide self-assessments is compromised.
- A relative of or an employee of the Investigator or the clinical study site
- Psychiatric or cognitive disorder and/or behavioral problems that, in the opinion of the clinician, may interfere with the study
- History of claustrophobia
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04271202). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.