This Ozempic-Like Drug Slashed Migraines by Half in a Small Trial
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Summary
Liraglutide, a drug similar to Ozempic and Wegovy, was tested on 31 people who suffered from chronic migraines and had not found relief from other treatments, according to a small trial.
Within a week, the drug reduced migraine attacks by over 50% and had minimal side effects, although four participants did not respond to the treatment.
Scientists are unsure of the exact cause of migraines but believe they are caused by dysfunctional neural networks and increased intracranial pressure.
Existing migraine treatments have had success lowering intracranial pressures but are expensive, which motivated the research team to look for an alternative.
Liraglutide lowers intracranial pressure by targeting GLP-1 receptors and may also alter neurons’ ability to fire, changing the brain’s ability to release neuropeptides such as CGRP.
The team is now planning a large randomised controlled trial to investigate the impact of GLP-1 drugs on migraine management.
