What is Emgality (Galcanezumab)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 12, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Emgality, also known as Galcanezumab, is a CGRP monoclonal antibody used for the prevention of migraine and cluster headaches.

Key Points

  • Emgality is a preventive medication, not an abortive treatment, meaning it is used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks rather than to treat them once they occur 1.
  • It is specifically used for the prevention of episodic and chronic migraine, as well as episodic cluster headache 2, 1.
  • The medication works by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, which is involved in the transmission of pain signals in the brain 3.
  • Emgality is typically used in patients who have failed other preventive medications, such as topiramate, due to regulatory restrictions and cost considerations 3.
  • The evidence supports the effectiveness of Emgality in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, with studies showing significant reductions in headache days per month 1.

Clinical Use

  • Emgality is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically every month 1.
  • The recommended dose is 240mg as a loading dose, followed by 120mg monthly 1.
  • Patients should be educated on the potential side effects of Emgality, including injection site reactions, fatigue, and constipation 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

EMGALITY is a prescription medicine used in adults for the: preventive treatment of migraine. treatment of episodic cluster headache.

Emgality (Galcanezumab) is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody specific for calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) ligand, used for the preventive treatment of migraine and treatment of episodic cluster headache in adults. 4, 5, 6

From the Research

What is Emgality (Galcanezumab)?

  • Emgality (Galcanezumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), inhibiting its physiological activity, which plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine and headache disorders 7, 8, 9.
  • It is administered as a once-monthly subcutaneous injection for the prevention of migraines 8, 9.
  • Galcanezumab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the number of monthly migraine headache days, improving health-related quality of life, and alleviating symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia 7, 8, 10.

Mechanism of Action

  • Galcanezumab binds to the CGRP ligand, preventing it from binding to its receptor, which is involved in the pathophysiology of migraine 7, 8, 9.
  • By inhibiting CGRP, galcanezumab reduces the frequency and severity of migraine headache days 10.

Clinical Evidence

  • Phase 3 trials have shown that galcanezumab is effective in reducing the number of monthly migraine headache days in patients with episodic and chronic migraine 7, 8, 10.
  • Real-world clinical evidence has also demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of galcanezumab in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse headache 11.
  • Galcanezumab has been shown to be well-tolerated, with a favorable safety profile 7, 8, 9, 11.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.