teaser
A potentially revolutionary migraine drug is in the final stages of development, researchers have revealed.
Telcagepant, a new class of treatment, offers similar pain relief to triptans but does not cause constriction of the blood vessels, making it safe for people with cardiovascular disease.
It acts by blocking calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors in the trigeminal nerves and central nervous system, which interrupts the metabolic process causing pain.
Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and drowsiness.
Study leaders Professor Lars Edvinsson and Dr Mattias Linde said: “The clinical trials we have reviewed provide evidence that CGRP receptors are important molecular targets for development of antimigraine drugs.”
The paper will be published in Online First and an upcoming issue of The Lancet.
Copyright Press Association 2010
Online First
