What type of drug is Ajovy?

Q: What type of drug is Ajovy?

Ajovy ( fremanezumab-vfrm ) is an injectable calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. People who suffer from migraine have increased levels of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide present in the nervous system. When CGRP binds to its receptor, it results in a cascade of events that contribute to the inflammation associated with migraine pain. Ajovy selectively targets the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor, blocking this cascade of events and preventing a migraine attack. Three other CGRP antagonists have been approved: Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) was the first approved CGRP antagonist. Aimovig binds potently and selectively to the CGRP receptor (not the ligand) to block CGRP activation, thereby preventing migraine pain. Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) has a similar mechanism of action to Ajovy; it binds to the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor to help prevent migraine pain. Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) also binds to the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor.

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 30, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is an injectable calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.

People who suffer from migraine have increased levels of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide present in the nervous system. When CGRP binds to its receptor, it results in a cascade of events that contribute to the inflammation associated with migraine pain. Ajovy selectively targets the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor, blocking this cascade of events and preventing a migraine attack.

Three other CGRP antagonists have been approved:

Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) was the first approved CGRP antagonist. Aimovig binds potently and selectively to the CGRP receptor (not the ligand) to block CGRP activation, thereby preventing migraine pain.
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) has a similar mechanism of action to Ajovy; it binds to the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor to help prevent migraine pain.
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) also binds to the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor.

Ajovy vs Aimovig: What's the difference between them?

Ajovy and Aimovig are both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors used for migraine prevention in adults. The dosing, side effects, effectiveness and costs of these medicines can vary. As demonstrated in studies, these agents can reduce the number of migraine headache days you experience by about 1.5 to 3 days per month when compared to a placebo (inactive) treatment, but your response may vary. Continue reading

Does Ajovy cause weight gain?

Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect in studies with the migraine prevention medicine Ajovy, but some anecdotal reports do note this effect. Other factors, such as lack of physical activity due to migraine pain may play a role in weight gain in patients with migraine headaches. Continue reading

How long does it take for Ajovy to start working?

Most patients usually respond within a month of starting Ajovy treatment, and some respond within one week, if the medicine works for them. In general, Ajovy can help to reduce the number of migraine headache days you have by about 1.5 to 2 days per month. Continue reading

What type of drug is Ajovy?

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Ajovy vs Aimovig: What's the difference between them?

Does Ajovy cause weight gain?

How long does it take for Ajovy to start working?

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Emgality

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