Galcanezumab
Galcanezumab, sold under the brand name Emgality, is a humanized monoclonal antibody used for the prevention of migraine. It is also used for cluster headaches.
| Monoclonal antibody | |
|---|---|
| Type | Whole antibody |
| Source | Humanized |
| Target | CALCA, CALCB |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Emgality |
| Other names | LY2951742, galcanezumab-gnlm |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a618063 |
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| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Drug class | Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists |
| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
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| DrugBank | |
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| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C6392H9854N1686O2018S46 |
| Molar mass | 144083.69 g·mol−1 |
A substance called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been shown to be involved in the development of migraine by widening blood vessels in the brain. Galcanezumab is a monoclonal antibody (a type of protein) designed to attach to and block CGRP, thereby helping blood vessels to return to their normal size. This will stop the symptoms of migraine. Common side effects include injection site reactions such as pain or redness. Other side effects may include hypersensitivity reactions.
This drug was developed by Eli Lilly. It was approved for medical use in the United States and in the European Union in 2018, becoming the third calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor to be approved. When used for migraines it costs about US$7,000 per year in the United States as of 2019.