
Precautions
Emgality is a CGRP binding antibody specifically developed to prevent migraine 1. Emgality is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and blocks its binding to the receptor 1. There are no relevant data on the pharmacodynamic effects of galcanezumab-gnlm. 1.
What is Emgality antibody used to treat?
Emgality belongs to the class of medicines called CGRP inhibitors. Emgality may also be called a monoclonal antibody, which is a collection of identical proteins that have been developed to only target one substance in the body (in this case CGRP). 2.
What class of drug is Emgality?
Emgality is a biologic drug belonging to a new class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists. 1 It contains the drug galcanezumab, a monoclonal antibody (a type of biological drug developed from immune system cells in a lab). It blocks the activity of specific proteins in the body.
What is Emgality (Galcanezumab)?
While Emgality is approved to treat cluster headaches and to prevent migraine headaches, other CGRP antagonists are only approved for migraine prevention. Emgality was the third drug in this class approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What is the difference between Emgality and other CGRP antagonists?

What kind of biologic is Emgality?
Emgality contains the drug galcanezumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is a type of biologic drug developed from immune system cells in a lab. It blocks the activity of certain proteins in your body.
What are CGRP monoclonal antibodies?
Calcitonin gene-related peptide antibodies (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a new type of treatment for migraine. CGRP mAbs are the first preventive medicines specifically developed for the treatment of migraine.
What type of Med is Emgality?
Emgality is a CGRP antibody migraine treatment that was specifically developed to bind to CGRP, a substance in the brain that may play a key role in migraine, and block its binding to the receptor. CGRP = calcitonin gene-related peptide.
What are monoclonal antibodies for migraine?
Four anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies are currently in development for use in the prevention of episodic and chronic migraines: eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab. They have not yet been approved in any country. Phase II and phase III trial results are available for all four drugs.
Do CGRP inhibitors affect the immune system?
CGRP inhibition reduces IL-10 production in Langerhans' cells, and increases IL-1β and TH1 cytokine production which could further promote local inflammation. Conversely, CGRP also induces the innate immune response in the skin by increasing IL-8, immune-cell recruitment and antimicrobial protein production [10].
How do you block CGRP naturally?
Ginger has also been shown to reduce Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraine. Some of the easiest ways to use ginger include cutting up the raw root in cooking, making tea, and stirring powder into smoothies.
Does Emgality make you gain weight?
Yes, Emgality (galcanezumab) may cause weight gain in some people who take it to prevent migraines or to treat cluster headaches. A survey by Health Union reported 12% of people gained weight while being administered CGRP injections, such as Emgality.
Can Emgality cause hair loss?
Is hair loss or constipation a side effect of Emgality? No. Hair loss and constipation were not reported as side effects in clinical studies of Emgality. However, other medications used for preventing or treating migraine may cause these side effects.
Can you lose weight on Emgality?
No, Emgality shouldn't cause weight loss. This side effect wasn't seen in studies of the drug.
What is the newest treatment for migraines?
The Food and Drug Administration approved the most recent, atogepant (Qulipta), in September 2021. Lasmiditan (Reyvow) is a separate type of treatment that targets the serotonin receptors on brain nerve endings to halt migraine attacks as they occur.
Is Aimovig a monoclonal antibody?
Aimovig™ (erenumab) is a first-of-its-class injectable human monoclonal antibody (mAb) co-developed and co-marketed by pharmaceutical companies Novartis and Amgen for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
What are side effects of Emgality?
For the ConsumerDifficulty breathing.fast heartbeat.hives, itching, skin rash.hoarseness.irritation.joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.redness of the skin.swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet.More items...•
How do CGRP monoclonal antibodies work?
Monoclonal antibody medications are human-made antibodies (proteins). They work by binding to other proteins in your body. For migraines, these medications attach to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP is a protein that can impact migraines by widening blood vessels in the brain.
What medications are CGRP?
Currently, FDA-approved drugs acting on the CGRP, or its receptor, are those used in the treatment or prophylaxis of migraine. This group includes monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, eptinezumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab) against the CGRP receptor and CGRP receptor antagonists (rimegepant and ubrogepant).
What medications are CGRP inhibitors?
There are five CGRP inhibitors:Atogepant.Erenumab.Eptinezumab.Fremanezumab.Galcanezumab.
What causes CGRP to increase?
Activation of trigeminal nerves causes initial release of CGRP and other neuropeptides that promote release of inflammatory mediators. The inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, further increase CGRP synthesis and release via MAPKs.
What is the only CGRP antagonist that is also approved for the treatment of episodic cluster headache?
There are four approved calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists that are monoclonal antibodies: All four drugs are indicated for the preventative treatment of migraine. Emgality is the only CGRP antagonist that is also approved for the treatment of episodic cluster headache.
How does Emgality work?
Emgality, Ajovy and Vyepti work by binding to the CGRP ligand and block its binding to the receptor to help prevent migraine pain.
What is emgality used for?
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist monoclonal antibody used for the prevention of migraine, and for the treatment of eposidic cluster headache in adults.
Is Emgality a CGRP antagonist?
All four drugs are indicated for the preventative treatment of migraine. Emgality is the only CGRP antagonist that is also approved for the treatment of episodic cluster headache.
Is Emgality a triptan?
No, Emgality isn’t a triptan. Triptans, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), are a class of medications that are used to treat migraine headaches or cluster headaches when they occur. Emgality is used to prevent migraine headaches from happening. Emgality and triptans work in different ways to affect migraine headaches or cluster headaches.
Is Emgality the same as Aimovig?
No. Emgality (galcane zumab) and Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) are both medications used to prevent migraine, and they both belong to a new class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists. However, Emgality is also approved to treat cluster headaches. These drugs work in slightly different ways in your body.
How is Emgality different from other migraine drugs?
Emgality is different from most other migraine drugs because it’s one of the first drugs developed specifically to prevent migraine headaches. It belongs to a new class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists.
Does Emgality cure migraine?
No, Emgality doesn’t cure migraine. There are no medications available at this time that can cure migraine.
What is emgality used for?
Emgality comes as a prefilled pen or syringe that you’ll use to give yourself a monthly injection. Emgality contains the drug galcanezumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is a type of drug developed from immune system cells in a lab. It blocks the activity of certain proteins in your body.
How many migraine days a month is emgality?
According to the International Headache Society, people with chronic migraine have 15 or more migraine days per month. People with episodic migraine have fewer than 15 migraine days per month.
How long do episodic migraines last?
People with episodic migraine have fewer than 15 migraine days per month. Treat episodic cluster headaches. According to the International Headache Society, people with episodic cluster headaches have headaches that occur in clusters (close to each other in timing). The clusters last anywhere from 1 week to 1 year.
What is CGRP and how is it involved in migraine?
CGRP is a small protein that is highly prevalent in the sensory nerves that supply the head and the neck.
What is the class of medicine that Emgality belongs to?
Emgality binds to CGRP and prevents it from interacting with the CGRP receptor. Emgality belongs to the class of medicines called CGRP inhibitors . There are two types of CGRP inhibitors – monoclonal antibodies and CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants).
Why is emgality given?
Emgality is given by injection subcutaneously (under the skin), to avoid degradation by the stomach. Because it is a large molecule, it takes longer to start working, and works in the lining of the brain rather than in the brain itself.
What is Emgality?
Emgality ( galcanezumab) is a calcitonin-gene related peptide antagonist.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What other drugs will affect Emgality?
Other drugs may interact with galcanezumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
How many injections of emgality are given?
For treatment of a cluster headache episodes: Emgality is usually given as 3 injections at the start of the cluster period, followed by 1 injection once per month until the end of the cluster period.
How long does it take for emgality to work?
When Emgality (galcanezumab) is administered to prevent migraine, it starts working within one month of initiation, but it may take up to five or six months for the full effects of Emgality to be seen. When Emgality is administered for the treatment of cluster headache, it starts working within one week of starting treatment, but it may take up to three weeks for the full effects to be seen. Continue reading
How old do you have to be to use emgality?
Emgality is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Where is emgality injected?
Emgality is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
What is emgality antibody?
Emgality is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to CGRP and blocks its binding to the receptor 1. There are no relevant data on the pharmacodynamic effects of galcanezumab-gnlm. 1. SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. Contraindications.
Is emgality contraindicated?
Emgality is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to galcanezumab-gnlm or to any of the excipients. Hypersensitivity reactions, including dyspnea, urticaria, and rash, have occurred with Emgality in clinical studies and the postmarketing setting.
Does emgality work?
Emgality works differently than many other preventive medications because it was specifically developed to bind to CGRP, a substance in the brain that may play a key role in migraine1-3. View real-world refill rate equivalent data for select preventive migraine medications. Reference: 1.
How do CGRP antibodies work?
CGRP antibodies disrupt the CGRP process. The lock-and-key analogy is helpful for understanding how they do this. The CGRP protein is the key. The CGRP receptor is the lock. When the key opens the lock, the pain process begins or worsens. Drugs that block the lock or change the shape of the key interfere with the function of CGRP and are useful treatments for migraine.
What are the differences between Aimovig, Emgality, Ajovy, and Vyepti?
The 4 CGRP antibodies are taken on different schedules and in different ways. 1-4
What are the possible side effects?
The side effects of CGRP antibodies are generally mild or moderate. Redness or pain at the injection site is common. A small number of people had an allergic reaction to the drugs. Some people treated with Vyepti in clinical trials had an upper respiratory infection (cold). 1-4,9-12
What is the difference between CGRP and CGRP?
Because the drug families have similar names, the difference between CGRP antibodies and CGRP gepants can be confusing. The monoclonal antibodies and gepants both target CGRP. However, these classes of medication have different uses. CGRP antibodies are taken to prevent migraine.
What is CGRP antibody?
CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) monoclonal antibodies prevent migraine. The approval of the first CGRP antibodies in 2018 was a breakthrough in migraine treatment. They are the first migraine-specific preventive medications. There are currently four approved CGRP antibodies. CGRP antibodies do not stop a migraine attack once it has started.
How many days a month does CGRP prevent migraines?
Treating episodic migraine. In general, CGRP antibodies prevent 3 or 4 migraine days per month for people with episodic migraine. This is an average, so your results may be better or worse. For comparison, the beta-blockers and anticonvulsants approved for migraine prevent about 1 to 2 migraine days per month.
How many migraine days a month can you get with CGRP?
Treating chronic migraine. In general, CGRP antibodies prevent 4 to 7 migraine days per month for people with chronic migraine. This is an average, so your results may be better or worse. Specific results from clinical trials are: 7.6 fewer migraine days per month with Vyepti, 100 mg 9.
What is emgality peptide?
EMGALITY™ is a calcitonin-gene related peptide antagonist indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. (1)
What is the most common adverse reaction to migraine medication?
The most common adverse reaction was injection site reactions. In Studies 1, 2, and 3, 1.8% of patients discontinued double-blind treatment because of adverse events. Table 1 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred within up to 6 months of treatment in the migraine studies.
What is the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies?
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% - 4% and 15% - 20%, respectively. The estimated rate of major birth defects (2.2% - 2.9%) and miscarriage (17%) among deliveries to women with migraine are similar to rates reported in women without migraine.
Is emgality contraindicated for galcanezumab?
EMGALITY is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to galcanezumab-gnlm or to any of the excipients
Is emgality sterile?
EMGALITY is a sterile clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow to slightly brown solution available as follows:
How many times does RHD count?
64 times that in humans at the RHD.
Is emgality contraindicated?
EMGALITY is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity
Is Galcanezumab a monoclonal antibody?
Pharmacokinetic Characteristics. Galcanezumab is an IgG4 monoclonal antibody and is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways in the same manner as endogenous IgG. 1, 2. As such, it is not expected to. inhibit metabolic or induce enzymatic pathways. be metabolized by the cytochrome P450 families ...
Does Galcanezumab interact with P450?
Galcanezumab is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes; therefore, interactions with concomitant medications that are substrates, inducers, or inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes are unlikely. 1 Therefore, no drug interaction studies were conducted. 3
Is there a drug interaction study on galcanezumab?
Drug interaction studies were not conducted. No pharmacokinetic drug interactions are expected based on the characteristics of galcanezumab.

How It Works
This medication is used to help prevent migraine.
May Treat: Migraine
Brand Names: Aimovig Autoinjector (2 Pack)
Drug Class: Migraine Therapy - CGRP Receptor Blockers (gepants and mAb)
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Upsides
Bottom Line
Tips
Response and Effectiveness
- Emgality is a brand (trade) name for galcanezumab which may be given to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults. Galcanezumab may also be called galcan...
- Galcanezumab works by blocking the effect of a protein, called CGRP (calcitonin gene-relate…
- Emgality is a brand (trade) name for galcanezumab which may be given to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults. Galcanezumab may also be called galcan...
- Galcanezumab works by blocking the effect of a protein, called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) which is involved in pain transmission. Emgality binds to CGRP and prevents it from interacting...
- Emgality belongs to the class of medicines called CGRP inhibitors. Emgality may also be called a monoclonal antibody, which is a collection of identical proteins that have been developed to only ta...
Interactions
- Emgality may be administered to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults.
- People can easily be taught how to self-administer Emgality. Emgality is given monthly when administered to prevent migraines. Initially, it is given as a 240mg dose (two consecutive subcutaneous i...
- Emgality may be administered to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults.
- People can easily be taught how to self-administer Emgality. Emgality is given monthly when administered to prevent migraines. Initially, it is given as a 240mg dose (two consecutive subcutaneous i...
- For the treatment of episodic cluster headache, Emgality is given as three 100mg doses, which are taken one after the other at the start of a cluster period and then every month until the end of th...
- Emgality is available as a single-dose prefilled pen and syringe (120 mg/mL) and a 100 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe. Both the prefilled pen and prefilled syringe are one-time use onl…
References
- Emgality is an injectable medication that can be self-administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once monthly for the prevention of migraine in adults or during a cluster headache period when used to treat cluster headaches. Injection site reactions are the most commonly reported side effect and it has no documented drug interactions.
Further Information
- Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality injections and is reported in 18% of people. Other injection site reactions, s...
- Helpful tips to make Emgality injections less painful include taking Emgality out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before administering, to allow it to warm up to room temperature; pla…
- Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality injections and is reported in 18% of people. Other injection site reactions, s...
- Helpful tips to make Emgality injections less painful include taking Emgality out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before administering, to allow it to warm up to room temperature; placing an ice bag...
- Each Emgality Pen is for one-time use only. Do not share or reuse your Emgality Pen.
- Your doctor will show you how to self-administer Emgality. You will need 2 pens for your first dose (1-time loading dose) and 1 pen for your monthly dose. Leave the base cap on until you are ready...