Overview of CGRP-targeting therapies for migraine — monoclonal antibodies and gepants — as examples of successful peptide-based drug development.
Filed under approved medicines, written for patient-consumer, clinician, researcher, evidence level A.
Not medically reviewed. Last updated 2026-03-30. Nothing here is medical advice.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino-acid neuropeptide involved in pain signaling and vasodilation. CGRP-targeting therapies represent one of the most significant advances in migraine treatment.
During migraine attacks, CGRP levels increase significantly. CGRP dilates blood vessels and sensitizes pain pathways, contributing to migraine symptoms. Blocking CGRP or its receptor can prevent or abort migraine attacks.
Large Phase III trials have demonstrated that CGRP-targeting therapies reduce monthly migraine days significantly compared to placebo, with generally favorable safety profiles.
CGRP therapies illustrate how understanding peptide biology can lead to transformative medicines. The journey from discovering CGRP's role in migraine to approved treatments took decades of rigorous research.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice for migraine treatment.
More guides: All guides, Safety centre, Peptide library.