Investigating the safety of migraine treatments in patients with a history of stroke
Official title: Safety of Anti-CGRP Migraine Therapeutics in Ischemic Stroke
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11090485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new migraine treatments that block a molecule important for blood flow in the brain to see if they might raise the risk of stroke or other brain issues, especially for people who have migraines and a history of stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,509 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129192-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are migraine sufferers who have experienced ischemic strokes or transient ischemic attacks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of migraines or cerebrovascular events may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the safety of new migraine treatments that block a molecule called CGRP, which is important for blood flow in the brain. The study aims to determine if these treatments could increase the risk of stroke or other cerebrovascular events in patients who suffer from migraines. By using animal models, the researchers will assess how these treatments affect blood flow and the risk of brain injury during ischemic events. The goal is to refine treatment recommendations for migraine patients who may also have a history of stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify safer migraine treatment options for patients with a history of ischemic stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with CGRP antagonism in animal models, suggesting that this area of investigation is critical and may lead to significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayata, Cenk — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ayata, Cenk
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
GWAS clues to migraine and stroke risk
A study using genetic data from people with migraine to understand why migraine is linked to higher stroke risk and to identify new treatment targets.
-
Safety of CGRP-targeting migraine drugs in stroke risk
This grant studies whether CGRP-blocking migraine medicines could raise the risk of brain stroke or worsen outcomes in people who have vascular events.
-
Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
-
EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
-
Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
-
Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.