Migraine treatment has been transformed by CGRP-targeted drugs — both monthly injections to prevent migraines and pills (gepants) for treatment and prevention. For the first time in decades, there are medications designed specifically for migraine rather than borrowed from other conditions.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing newer CGRP-targeted drugs, treatments for chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache, neuromodulation devices, and combinations for resistant migraine. Researchers are also studying migraine in pregnancy, in adolescents, and the link with hormonal changes and sleep.
CGRP-targeted drugs
Monthly injectable antibodies and oral gepants prevent migraines or stop them once started. They work for many people who failed older preventives like topiramate or beta-blockers.
Neuromodulation devices
Wearable and handheld devices that stimulate nerves can prevent or stop migraines without medication. Trials are testing newer options for chronic migraine.
Chronic migraine
For people with 15 or more headache days per month, combinations of CGRP drugs, Botox, and other treatments are reducing both attack frequency and intensity in trials.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on migraine frequency, episodic vs. chronic, prior preventive medications tried, and presence of aura or other features.
What types of trials are currently open
- New medication trials — Testing CGRP-targeted drugs and other migraine medications for prevention and treatment.
- Device trials — Studies of wearable and implanted neuromodulation devices for migraine.
- Therapy strategy trials — Testing combinations of medications for chronic or treatment-resistant migraine.
- Lifestyle and behavior trials — Testing biofeedback, mindfulness, and trigger-management programs.
- Observational studies — Following people with migraine to understand triggers, hormonal patterns, and long-term outcomes.
Recently added Migraine trials
Sleep, Stress and Migraine - an Observational and Training Study
The MiSleepS study investigates how sleep disturbances and stress are linked to migraine attacks. Participants wear a device called a WHOOP band, which tracks sleep and body signals, and answer brief daily questions via a smartphone app about their sleep, stress levels, and migraine symptoms. The goal is to identify personal patterns that may contribute to migraine. Based on these insights, participants receive individualized recommendations to improve their sleep and daily routines - aiming to reduce migraine attacks in the long term without medication. The study is conducted at the University Hospital Zurich and is aimed at adults with episodic migraine.
Topical Intranasal Anesthetic Block for Reducing the Pain of Botulinum Toxin Injections for Chronic Migraine
People find the injections used in onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®) uncomfortable. This study will test whether putting a small piece of cotton soaked with 4% lidocaine (a numbing medicine) inside the front of each nostril for 5 minutes before the injections reduces injection pain compared with cotton soaked in saline (salt water).
Find Migraine trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.