Migraine treatment has been transformed by CGRP-targeted therapies — both monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab) for prevention and small molecule receptor antagonists (rimegepant, ubrogepant, atogepant, zavegepant) for acute and preventive treatment. Despite this progress, many patients with chronic or treatment-resistant migraine remain inadequately controlled. Research continues into novel mechanisms and refined approaches. For migraine patients, clinical trials for migraine offer access to investigational therapies. This guide covers how to find migraine trials, active research areas, and resources.
Categories of migraine trials
Active migraine trials in 2026 include:
Next-generation CGRP-class therapies: Refined CGRP antagonists, new formulations, and combinations.
Novel mechanisms beyond CGRP: PACAP-targeted therapies, novel pain mechanisms, and inflammatory pathway approaches.
Devices: Neuromodulation devices (Cefaly, gammaCore, Nerivio); new device approaches.
Treatment-resistant chronic migraine: Trials specifically for patients who haven’t responded to multiple preventive therapies.
Pediatric migraine: Trials in children and adolescents.
Cluster headache: Specific trials for cluster headache treatment.
Where to find migraine trials
Resources:
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- American Migraine Foundation
- National Headache Foundation
- Major academic neurology and headache programs
Typical eligibility for migraine trials
Common inclusion criteria:
- Migraine diagnosis meeting ICHD-3 criteria
- Specific migraine frequency (4-14 days/month for episodic, 15+ for chronic)
- Adequate failure of standard preventive therapies for resistance trials
Common exclusion criteria:
- Other primary headache disorders (some trials exclude tension-type headache)
- Medication overuse headache (varies)
- Pregnancy
- Cardiovascular disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CGRP class trials still active?
Yes, with refinements and new formulations.
What about devices for migraine?
Several devices are FDA-cleared and trials continue to expand indications.
Can I be in a trial if I’m on Botox?
Some trials require Botox washout; others permit continuation.
Are pediatric migraine trials available?
Yes, with age-specific trials.
What about cluster headache trials?
Yes, with specific trials for this condition.
The bottom line on migraine trials
Migraine research is active with refined CGRP therapies, novel mechanisms, and devices. American Migraine Foundation and academic headache programs provide trial resources.