HELSINKI – 2025/06/22 02:07:31 – A recent study presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025 suggests that a diabetes medication may substantially reduce the frequency of migraines. The research indicates that the drug, which lowers brain fluid pressure, cut monthly migraine days by more than half.¹

Researchers at the Headache Center of the University of Naples “Federico II” administered the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide to 26 adults who were obese and suffered from chronic migraines, defined as experiencing 15 or more headache days each month. The study found that patients reported an average of 11 fewer headache days per month. Additionally, their scores on the migraine Disability Assessment Test decreased by 35 points, demonstrating a notable improvement in their ability to function at work, in academic settings, and socially.

GLP-1 agonists have been increasingly recognized for their potential in treating various conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.² Liraglutide, used in treating type 2 diabetes, aids in reducing blood sugar levels and body weight by curbing appetite and decreasing energy intake.^3,4,5

Interestingly, while the body-mass index of the participants saw a slight decrease from 34.01 to 33.65, this change was not statistically significant. An analysis of covariance confirmed that the reduction in BMI did not affect headache frequency, reinforcing the idea that the benefit comes from pressure modulation rather than weight loss.

According to lead researcher Dr Simone braca, “Most patients felt better within the first two weeks and reported quality of life improved significantly. The benefit lasted for the full three-month observation period, even though weight loss was modest and statistically non-significant.”

The participants were screened to rule out papilledema (optic disc swelling caused by increased intracranial pressure) and sixth nerve palsy, thereby excluding idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) as a contributing factor. there is growing evidence linking subtle increases in intracranial pressure to migraine attacks.⁶ GLP-1-receptor agonists like liraglutide have been shown to reduce cerebrospinal fluid secretion and have been effective in treating IIH.⁷ Based on these findings, Dr Braca and his team proposed that using the same mechanism could potentially lessen the cortical and trigeminal sensitization that underlies migraines.

Dr Braca explained,”We think that,by modulating cerebrospinal fluid pressure and reducing intracranial venous sinuses compression,these drugs produce a decrease in the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP),a key migraine-promoting peptide.That would pose intracranial pressure control as a brand-new, pharmacologically targetable pathway.”

Some participants experienced mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and constipation, which occurred in 38% of cases but did not lead to anyone discontinuing the treatment.

“Most patients felt better within the first two weeks and reported quality of life improved significantly,” said lead researcher Dr Simone Braca.

Following this initial 12-week study, Professor Roberto De Simone and the Naples research team are planning a randomized, double-blind trial that will directly or indirectly measure intracranial pressure. dr Braca also mentioned, “We also want to determine whether other GLP-1 drugs can deliver the same relief, possibly with even fewer gastrointestinal side effects.”

If these findings are confirmed, GLP-1-receptor agonists could provide a new treatment option for the estimated one in seven people globally who suffer from migraines.⁸ Given that liraglutide is already used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, it could be a promising example of drug repurposing in the field of neurology.