Novel therapeutic targets

Neurol Sci. 2006 May:27 Suppl 2:S111-4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-006-0583-1.

Abstract

The need for novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of migraine and other primary headaches is well recognised. Although the underlying mechanism(s) and the molecular targets that should be tackled by novel medicines are still uncertain, significant improvements have been made in the last decade in the treatment of migraine. Strong evidence in experimental animal models and clinical investigation focus on drugs that limit the phenomena promoted by activation of neurons of the trigeminal ganglion at the level of both their central and peripheral perivascular endings. Identification of compounds that abort the migraine attack by precisely targeting different mechanisms should also help to recompose the puzzle of migraine pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / therapeutic use
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / classification
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / drug therapy*
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neurogenic Inflammation
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Vasodilation / drug effects

Substances

  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin Antagonists
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide