During posttreament periods, galcanezumab treatment effects in patients with migraine were reduced, but did not return to baseline, a new study found. Adults with episodic migraine were enrolled into EVOLVE-1 and EVOLVE-, which randomized 858 and 915 patients, respectively, to galcanezumab 120 mg, galcanezumab 240 mg, or placebo, administered subcutaneously once monthly for 6 months. After treatment completion or discontinuation, patients entered a 4-month posttreatment period. Researchers found:
- There were 740 patients (EVOLVE-1) and 830 (EVOLVE-2) patients entered into the posttreatment periods.
- About 95% (EVOLVE-1) and 96% (EVOLVE-2) of patients completed their respective trial.
- In both trials, change from pre-randomization baseline in monthly migraine headache days decreased over the posttreatment period.
- During posttreatment periods, 1.6% (EVOLVE-1) and 2.3% (EVOLVE-2) of patients initiated migraine preventive treatments.
- There were no unexpected adverse events after galcanezumab cessation.
Stauffer VL, et al. Effect of galcanezumab following treatment cessation in patients with migraine: Results from 2 randomized phase 3 trials. [Published online ahead of print April 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13508.