PACAP-38 in Cluster Headache: A Prospective, Case–Control Study of a Potential Treatment Target

[Craigo]

PACAP-38 in Cluster Headache: A Prospective, Case–Control Study of a Potential Treatment Target
Marie-Louise K. Søborg, Nunu Lund, Agneta Snoer, Mads Barloese, Rigmor Højland Jensen, Anja Sofie Petersen

Published in European Journal of Neurology on September 26, 2025
Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.70341

Abstract: (partial selection)

This large-scale study demonstrated increased PACAP-38 levels in all disease states of cluster headache compared to headache-free controls, strengthening the hope of a possible effect of PACAP-38 targeting treatments in future trials. The lacking correlation between PACAP-38 and CGRP levels should be interpreted with caution and needs to be investigated in future studies.

[Craigo]

Here is a screenshot from one of the authors posts on LinkedIn. The research coming out of the Danish Headache Center is outstanding, I have recently shared the findings of their paper identifying the distinct cytokine profiles that distinguish eCH from cCH and also found that Oncostatin M was elevated in all 3 CH states.