Clinical Trial of Rimegepant for Trigeminal Neuralgia Enrolls First Participant

The first patient has been enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT03941834) to assess rimegepant (Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, New Haven, CT)—a small molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist—for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia refractory to medical treatment. The primary outcome measure is the change in a participant's average Numeric Pain Rating Scale between the 2 treatment phases of the study. 

"CGRP is an important mechanistic target that has been implicated in a variety of diseases,” said Robert Croop, MD, chief development officer—neurology, Biohaven. “Emerging evidence suggests that aberrant release of CGRP from the trigeminal ganglion plays a critical role in the development of pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia. We believe this study involves the first oral CGRP receptor antagonist being studied for use as a potential treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and extends our CGRP clinical research beyond migraine."