Direct CGRP Inhibition Cuts Acne, Rosacea in Patients With Migraine
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, July 16, 2024 -- For patients experiencing migraine, direct calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibition with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is associated with reduced rates of acne and rosacea compared with no inhibition (topiramate) or indirect inhibition (triptans), according to a research letter published online July 10 in JAMA Dermatology.
Christopher J. Thang, from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and colleagues examined whether CGRP inhibition is associated with reduced rates of developing acne or rosacea in a cohort study. Patients experiencing migraines were stratified into four treatment cohorts: CGRP inhibitor (CGRPi) mAbs, CGRPi nonpeptide small molecules (gepants), triptans, and topiramate. Cohort comparisons were independently 1:1 propensity score-matched for age at index, demographics, and potential confounding medications and comorbidities using a greedy nearest-neighbor matching algorithm.
The researchers found that among patients treated with CGRPi mAbs matched with those treated with triptans, CGRPi mAb exposure was associated with a significantly reduced rate of acne and rosacea. CGRPi mAb exposure was also associated with significantly reduced rates of acne and rosacea compared with topiramate. CGRPi mAb exposure was associated with a reduced rate of acne compared with gepants, although the difference was not statistically significant, and with a significantly reduced rate of rosacea.
"While further studies, including randomized clinical trials, are needed to examine the effects of CGRP inhibition on acne and rosacea development, the present study highlights CGRP inhibition as a novel therapeutic avenue for both conditions," the authors write.
One author disclosed receipt of personal fees from Dexcel Pharma.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted July 2024
Read this next
Endolymphatic Sac Decompression Effective for Vertigo, Migraine
WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2025 -- For Meniere disease (MD) patients with migraine, endolymphatic sac decompression (ELSD) is effective, providing postoperative relief of vertigo and...
No Increase Seen in Neurodevelopmental Disorders With Prenatal Triptan Use
WEDNESDAY, May 21, 2025 -- Children prenatally exposed to different triptan intensities and duration, alone or in combination with other preventive medications for migraine, do...
Ubrogepant During Prodromal Phase of Migraine Eases Symptoms
TUESDAY, May 13, 2025 -- Ubrogepant during the prodromal phase of migraine may alleviate common prodromal symptoms, according to a study published online May 12 in Nature...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.