The history and rationale of the development of new drugs for migraine treatment

Abstract: Migraine is one of the most prevalent and disabling diseases in the world. Migraine attack treatments and prophylactic treatments of this disease are essential to lessen its individual, social, and economic impact. This is a narrative review of the main drugs used for treating migraine, as well as the experimental models and the theoretical frameworks that led to their development. Ergot derivatives, triptans, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, flunarizine, valproic acid, topiramate, onabotulinumtoxin A, ditans, monoclonal antibodies against CGRP and its receptor, and gepants are discussed. Possible therapeutic targets for the development of new drugs that are under development are also addressed. Many of the drugs currently in use for treating migraine were developed for the treatment of other diseases, but have proven effective for the treatment of migraine, expanding knowledge about the disease. With a better understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine, new drugs have been and continue to be developed specifically for the treatment of this disease.

Object Details

• Alternative title: A história e os fundamentos do desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos para o tratamento da migrânea
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: The history and rationale of the development of new drugs for migraine treatment ; volume:81 ; number:12 ; year:2023 ; pages:1084-1097 ; Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria ; 81, Heft 12 (2023), 1084-1097

Contributors, Places and Time

• Contributor: Kowacs, Pedro André ; Sampaio Rocha-Filho, Pedro Augusto ; Peres, Mário Fernando Prieto ; Edvinsson, Lars

Further information

• DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777723
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2024021510162825488009
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:33 AM CEST