Safety of CGRP-targeting migraine drugs in stroke risk
Official title: Safety of Anti-CGRP Migraine Therapeutics in Ischemic Stroke
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11330395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies whether CGRP-blocking migraine medicines could raise the risk of brain stroke or worsen outcomes in people who have vascular events.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $532,299 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129192-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with migraine who may be at risk for cerebrovascular events and are candidates for CGRP-targeting therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without vascular risk factors or who are not considering CGRP-based treatments are less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
The project looks at CGRP blockers and antibodies used for migraine to see how they affect brain blood vessels during ischemic events. Using models that mimic stroke, researchers will examine blood flow, infarct size, and neurological outcomes when CGRP signaling is inhibited. The goal is to identify any increased risk and refine who might safely use these therapies. Results could guide safer prescribing for people with migraine who are at risk for vascular events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could help doctors balance migraine relief with stroke safety and tailor treatments to patients with higher vascular risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies suggested CGRP antagonism worsens outcomes after induced cerebral ischemia, indicating potential safety concerns but needing further validation in humans.
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.
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Investigating the safety of migraine treatments in patients with a history of stroke
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.
-
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.