Source: Science News
Preliminary study presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress on June 21 suggests that GLP-1 agonists, the same class of drugs used for diabetes and obesity (like Ozempic and Wegovy), may also significantly reduce migraine frequency.
In the study, participants taking liraglutide (an older GLP-1 drug) saw their migraine days cut nearly in half—from 20 days per month to just 11. If confirmed in larger trials, this could offer new hope for the 1 billion people worldwide who suffer from these debilitating headaches.
How the Research Was Conducted
The study, led by neurologist Simone Braca from the University of Naples Federico II in Italy, involved 31 adults (26 women and 5 men) with both obesity and chronic migraines. Participants received daily liraglutide injections for 12 weeks while continuing their usual migraine medications.
Key Findings:
- Before treatment, participants experienced migraines on about 20 days per month.
- After 12 weeks, that number dropped to around 11 days—a 45% reduction.
- Weight remained stable, suggesting the migraine relief was independent of weight loss.
The study, published in Headache on June 17, was small and lacked a control group, meaning all participants knew they were taking liraglutide. Despite these limitations, the results are promising enough to warrant larger, placebo-controlled trials.
Why it matters
This study could have far-reaching implications for migraine treatment and our understanding of GLP-1 drugs. If larger trials confirm these findings, it would represent a major breakthrough for the estimated 1 billion people worldwide who suffer from migraines.
First, it offers new hope for patients who don’t respond to existing treatments. While CGRP blockers have revolutionized migraine care for many, about 30-40% of patients see little to no improvement. GLP-1 drugs could provide an alternative for those who’ve exhausted other options.
Second, the findings may reshape how scientists understand migraines. Since GLP-1 drugs appear to reduce intracranial pressure—a factor linked to migraine pain—this could lead to new research on the role of vascular and metabolic factors in headache disorders.
Finally, the study highlights the expanding therapeutic potential of GLP-1 medications. Originally developed for diabetes, these drugs are now being studied for conditions ranging from heart disease to addiction. If they can also alleviate migraines, it would further solidify their status as one of the most versatile drug classes in modern medicine.
For migraine sufferers, this research offers new optimism—especially for those who haven’t found relief with existing drugs. However, experts caution that more research is needed before doctors prescribe GLP-1 drugs specifically for migraines. The current study was small, and we still don’t know whether the benefits apply to non-obese patients or how long the effects last. Still, the results open an exciting new avenue for treatment—one that could transform care for millions.
For now, people should stay updated on clinical trials and discuss all options with their doctors. If future studies confirm these results, a widely available, dual-purpose medication could soon be within reach.