Erenumab reduces rosacea-associated flushing and erythema symptoms: JAMA

While the treatment was generally well-tolerated, some adverse effects were noted, including mild to moderate constipation, transient worsening of flushing, bloating and upper respiratory tract infections.

These side effects are in line with what has been previously documented with the use of erenumab in migraine treatment. Only one serious adverse event was reported which was a case of gallstones that lead to hospitalization, which did not convince the research team as mediated by the drug.

The findings are significant as they point towards a new application for CGRP-receptor inhibitors like erenumab in treating skin conditions beyond their current use in neurology. CGRP (Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide) has been linked to the pathogenesis of rosacea influencing vascular and inflammatory processes in the skin. Erenumab may help manage symptoms that are often resistant to other treatments by inhibiting this pathway. Despite these promising results, larger randomized clinical trials are imperative to confirm these findings and better understand the potential of CGRP inhibitors in treating rosacea.

Source:

Wienholtz, N. K. F., Christensen, C. E., Do, T. P., Frifelt, L. E. W., Snellman, J., Lopez-Lopez, C. L., Egeberg, A., Thyssen, J. P., & Ashina, M. (2024). Erenumab for Treatment of Persistent Erythema and Flushing in Rosacea. In JAMA Dermatology. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.0408