Calcitonin gene-related peptide
Also known as: alpha-CGRP, beta-CGRP, Calcitonin gene-related peptide-I, calcitonin gene‑related peptide (alpha), CGRP, α‑CGRP, β‑CGRP
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Summary
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37‑amino‑acid neuropeptide produced by alternative splicing of the CALCA gene. It plays a key role in vasodilation, migraine pathophysiology, and neurogenic inflammation.
Mechanism of Action
Endogenous ligand for the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor (CLR/RAMP1 complex), inducing vasodilation, nociceptive signaling, and modulation of inflammatory pathways.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Migraine prophylaxis targetTherapeutic TargetHigh
- Pain modulation researchResearchModerate
- Wound healing / tissue protectionResearchLow
- Migraine research / provocation modelResearchHigh
- Cardiovascular vasodilation researchResearchModerate
Contraindications
- Severe cardiovascular diseaseCardiovascularHigh
- Active myocardial ischemiaCardiovascularHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to CGRPAllergic/ImmunologicHigh
Adverse Effects
- Injection site reactionsLocalUncommon
- HypotensionCardiovascularUncommonLow blood pressure
- FlushingVascularCommonWarmth and redness of the skin
- Headache / migraineNeurologicalCommon
- Reflex tachycardiaCardiovascularUncommon
Drug Interactions
- NitratesModerate
- Antihypertensive agentsModerate
- Vasoconstrictors (e.g., triptans, ergotamines)Moderate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Elderly patients with cardiovascular diseaseCardiovascularRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertensionCardiovascularRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot approved as a therapeutic agent by EMA. Used in clinical research settings for migraine provocation studies.
- United StatesUnapprovedCGRP itself is not an approved therapeutic. Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants are FDA-approved for migraine. CGRP is used in IND-covered research protocols.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA as a therapeutic. Used experimentally in academic and clinical research.
Not an approved pharmaceutical; used experimentally as a biomarker or in pre‑clinical studies.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calcitonin gene-related peptide?
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37‑amino‑acid neuropeptide produced by alternative splicing of the CALCA gene. It plays a key role in vasodilation, migraine pathophysiology, and neurogenic inflammation.
What is Calcitonin gene-related peptide used for?
Calcitonin gene-related peptide is educationally associated with: Migraine prophylaxis target, Pain modulation research, Wound healing / tissue protection, Migraine research / provocation model, Cardiovascular vasodilation research. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Calcitonin gene-related peptide administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intranasal, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Calcitonin gene-related peptide?
Reported adverse effects include: Injection site reactions, Hypotension, Flushing, Headache / migraine, Reflex tachycardia. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Calcitonin gene-related peptide?
Recorded contraindications: Severe cardiovascular disease, Active myocardial ischemia, Known hypersensitivity to CGRP. Consult a qualified clinician before use.