What type of drug is Emgality?

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.

There are four approved calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists that are monoclonal antibodies:

• Aimovig (erenumab-aooe)
• Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm)
• Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm)
• Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr)

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 do calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists work?

When CGRP binds to its receptor, a cascade of events such as vasodilation and protein leakage begin that results in inflammation and pain associated with migraine.

• Emgality, Ajovy and Vyepti work by binding to the CGRP ligand and block its binding to the receptor to help prevent migraine pain.
• Aimovig selectively binds to the CGRP receptor (not the ligand) to block CGRP activation, thereby preventing migraine pain.