The Straight Answer: Aimovig Is Not Discontinued
Contrary to speculation, the migraine preventive treatment Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) has not been discontinued. It remains an FDA-approved and prescribed medication for adults [1.2.4, 1.7.4]. The widespread confusion and the very question of 'Why was Aimovig discontinued?' primarily originate from a major shift in the corporate structure behind the drug, not from its removal from the market.
The Source of the Rumor: The Amgen and Novartis Partnership Dissolution
The belief that Aimovig was discontinued is largely linked to the termination of the collaboration agreement between its co-developers, Amgen and Novartis. In 2015, the two pharmaceutical giants entered a partnership to develop and commercialize treatments targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway, which led to Aimovig [1.4.6].
However, the partnership soured. In 2019, Amgen moved to terminate the alliance, alleging that Novartis had breached their contract by entering into a manufacturing agreement with Alder Biopharmaceuticals for a competing CGRP inhibitor, eptinezumab [1.4.3, 1.4.6]. Novartis disputed this and filed a lawsuit to prevent the termination [1.4.4].
This legal and corporate battle culminated in a restructuring of their agreement. By January 2022, the U.S. collaboration was officially terminated. Under the new terms, Amgen assumed full responsibility for commercializing Aimovig in the United States, ending its royalty payments to Novartis for U.S. sales. Novartis retained the rights to commercialize the drug in all markets outside of the U.S. and Japan [1.4.1, 1.4.7]. This change led to layoffs at Novartis for staff who had been supporting the drug in the U.S., fueling the discontinuation narrative [1.4.2].
Understanding Aimovig's Role in Migraine Treatment
Aimovig is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking the CGRP receptor [1.5.2, 1.5.4]. CGRP is a protein that plays a key role in the pain and inflammation associated with migraine attacks [1.5.1]. By inhibiting this pathway, Aimovig helps to prevent migraines before they start.
It is administered as a once-monthly subcutaneous injection, available in 70 mg or 140 mg doses [1.5.1]. Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing the number of monthly migraine days for patients with both episodic and chronic migraine [1.5.2]. The most common side effects reported are injection site reactions and constipation [1.5.5]. However, more serious complications like severe constipation requiring hospitalization and new or worsening hypertension have also been reported in the postmarketing setting [1.5.6].
The Competitive Landscape: Aimovig vs. Other CGRP Inhibitors
The market for CGRP inhibitors is competitive, which can also lead to shifts in prescribing patterns and patient access that might be misinterpreted as a discontinuation. Aimovig was the first in its class to receive FDA approval, but it was quickly followed by other CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibodies [1.6.3].
Here is a comparison of the leading subcutaneous CGRP monoclonal antibodies:
| Feature | Aimovig (erenumab) | Ajovy (fremanezumab) | Emgality (galcanezumab) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | CGRP Receptor [1.5.1] | CGRP Ligand [1.6.3] | CGRP Ligand [1.6.3] |
| Administration | Once-monthly injection [1.5.1] | Once-monthly or once-quarterly injection [1.6.3] | Once-monthly injection (after initial loading dose) [1.6.3] |
| Common Side Effects | Injection site reactions, constipation [1.5.5] | Injection site reactions [1.6.4] | Injection site reactions, antibodies [1.6.2, 1.6.3] |
| Other FDA-Approved Uses | None | None | Treatment of episodic cluster headaches [1.6.2] |
While all are effective for migraine prevention, differences in their targets, dosing schedules, and side effect profiles allow clinicians and patients to choose the most appropriate option [1.6.4, 1.6.6]. For instance, a study comparing erenumab to topiramate found that significantly fewer patients on erenumab discontinued treatment due to adverse events (10.6% vs. 38.9%) [1.6.1].
Conclusion: Still a Viable Option for Migraine Patients
In summary, Aimovig has not been discontinued. It remains a key therapeutic option for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. The rumors of its demise are a direct result of a corporate divorce between Amgen and Novartis, which altered the commercialization and marketing structure but not the drug's availability [1.4.1]. Patients in the U.S. can still access Aimovig through Amgen, with copay and patient assistance programs available [1.7.3, 1.7.7]. As with any prescription medication, patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine if Aimovig is the right choice for their condition.
For more information from the manufacturer, visit Aimovig's official website.
