INTRODUCTION: Migraine is a neurovascular disorder involving neurogenic 
inflammation and transmission of trigeminovascular nociceptive pathways mediated 
by Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP). Several small molecules antagonizing 
the CGRP receptor have been developed as migraine-specific acute medications. 
The CGRP receptor antagonist ubrogepant, also known as MK-1602, has been 
recently evaluated in phase III clinical trials for clinical efficacy and 
long-term safety as an abortive migraine treatment.
AREAS COVERED: This paper discusses the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, 
clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability profile of ubrogepant for the acute 
treatment of migraine with or without aura.
EXPERT OPINION: Ubrogepant, a selective CGRP antagonist belonging to the gepants 
family, has been evaluated in large short- and long-term Phases 2 and 3 clinical 
trials aimed to assess clinical efficacy and safety as acute migraine 
medication. It did not significantly affect liver function and was not 
associated with other serious adverse events. Long-term non-serious adverse 
events were similar between placebo and ubrogepant. The efficacy was evaluated 
in large placebo-controlled studies and ubrogepant 50 mg and 100 mg was 
superior, even if the therapeutic gain seems to be low. Nevertheless, the 
favorable safety profile compared to other abortive drugs makes ubrogepant a 
promising option for the acute treatment of migraine.