Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. has synthesized pyridinyl derivatives acting as sodium channel protein type 1 subunit α (SCN1A; Nav1.1) activators reported to be useful for the treatment of epilepsy.

Hangzhou Healzen Therapeutics Co. Ltd. has divulged potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily KQT member 2/3 (KCNQ2/3) activators reported to be useful for the treatment of epilepsy, among others.

Equilibre Biopharmaceuticals Corp. has positive top-line data from the phase II study of its lead asset, EQU-001, an anti-inflammatory adjunctive therapy for treating focal seizures for adults with epilepsy.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystemic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Its clinical phenotype is heterogenous, but most patients with TSC have epilepsy.

Natus Medical Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire EU-based neurophysiology solution provider Micromed Group SpA. The transaction is expected to close in early 2023, subject to regulatory approvals from the Italian Council of Ministers’ Presidency and the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. Full terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. “The idea behind this acquisition is to provide a single portfolio of neurodiagnostic and neuromonitoring products in the EU and the whole world,” Thomas Sullivan, CEO of Natus Medical, told BioWorld.

A strong clinical association has been observed between epilepsy and the development of depression, however, it is difficult to study individual molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these comorbidities in animal models. Researchers from Rutgers University have aimed to develop a cell-type-specific monogenic mouse model of epilepsy and depression comorbidities, which could serve as a tool for identifying disease mechanisms as well as for target and drug screening.