Empire State Review Contributor 
In a significant development for migraine sufferers, a recent study suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—medications primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity—may also substantially reduce the frequency of chronic migraines.
The study, presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025, focused on liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Researchers at the Headache Center of the University of Naples “Federico II” administered liraglutide to 26 adults with obesity and chronic migraines, defined as experiencing 15 or more headache days per month. Over a 12-week period, participants reported an average reduction of 11 migraine days per month. Additionally, their scores on the Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) decreased by 35 points, indicating a significant improvement in daily functioning and quality of life .
Interestingly, the reduction in migraine frequency occurred without significant weight loss among participants, suggesting that liraglutide’s benefits may stem from mechanisms other than weight reduction. Researchers hypothesize that the drug’s ability to lower intracranial pressure—a factor implicated in migraine pathophysiology—may play a crucial role. By modulating cerebrospinal fluid pressure and reducing compression in intracranial venous sinuses, liraglutide may decrease the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide associated with migraine attacks .
Dr. Braca, one of the lead researchers, explained, “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” .
The findings have garnered attention from the broader medical community. Dr. Alexandra Sinclair, chair of the neurology department at the University of Birmingham, who was not involved in the study, described the research as “hugely interesting and very important,” noting that it opens new questions about how GLP-1 receptor agonists function beyond their traditional uses .
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, have been primarily prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and for weight loss in obesity. Their potential neurological benefits, particularly in migraine management, represent an exciting frontier in medical research.
However, experts caution that while the initial results are promising, larger and more diverse clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists for migraine prevention. The current study’s small sample size and specific patient population (individuals with both obesity and chronic migraines) limit the generalizability of the findings.
Moreover, while GLP-1 receptor agonists are generally well-tolerated, they can have side effects, including gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. Long-term effects and safety profiles in the context of migraine treatment remain to be thoroughly investigated.
The potential repurposing of GLP-1 receptor agonists for migraine prevention could offer a novel therapeutic option for patients who do not respond to existing treatments. As migraines affect approximately 15% of the global population, with many experiencing significant disability, the need for effective and tolerable preventive therapies is substantial.
Further research will determine whether GLP-1 receptor agonists can be integrated into standard migraine management protocols. If future studies corroborate these findings, healthcare providers may have a new tool to alleviate the burden of chronic migraines for millions worldwide.
