Use of CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review Despite the established efficacy and safety of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) worldwide, evidence from East Asian countries remains limited and may differ from that in Western countries. Recent Findings This narrative review comprehensively summarises clinical trials and real-world studies on CGRP mAbs in East Asian populations. A total of 12 clinical trials and 23 real-world studies on galcanezumab, fremanezumab, and erenumab in East Asia were identified through MEDLINE and manual searches. After reviewing each country's regulations on CGRP mAb usage, we summarised the findings across several categories and compared them with reports from Western countries: effectiveness, adverse events, patient-reported outcome measures, associated symptoms, patient satisfaction, switching, responder characteristics, and discontinuation. Although effectiveness and safety were comparable, notable differences regarding evidence on switching and responder characteristics were observed, likely attributable to variations in inclusion criteria and study design. Summary Overall, the effectiveness and safety profiles of CGRP mAbs in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are comparable to those reported in Western countries. However, differences in regulatory policies significantly influenced the findings of real-world reports, highlighting the importance of region- and country-specific evidence.