Despite numerous marketed anti-seizure medications in the U.S., patients with epilepsy continue to experience breakthrough seizures and tolerability issues compounded with drug interactions and side effects, leaving room for companies like Praxis Precision Medicines Inc. to fill treatment gaps. The Boston-based company presented phase IIa proof-of-concept data March 26 showing that in an evaluation of photo paroxysmal response, its once-daily oral small-molecule treatment, PRAX-628, resulted in a complete response in three epilepsy patients receiving 45 mg of the drug and four patients receiving 15 mg for a combined complete response rate of 88%.
Researchers from Texas A&M University System have detailed the development and characterization of a novel pediatric rat model of organophosphate (OP)-induced status epilepticus (SE).
The Kv1.1 potassium channel regulates neuronal excitability both in the central and peripheral nervous systems and its dysfunction is associated with epilepsy, among others.
Medtronic plc received the greenlight from the U.S. FDA for its latest deep brain stimulation system, the Percept RC. The rechargeable neurostimulator includes the company’s sensing technology which captures data from brain signals and allows for more personalized therapy.
Boston-based Praxis Precision Medicines Inc.’s shares rose nearly 25% on Jan. 8 after it announced a pipeline update and licensing deal for its tremor drug, ulixacaltamide (PRAX-944), with Shanghai’s Tenacia Biotechnology Co. Ltd.
Saniona AB has reported that it has selected SAN-2355 as the first clinical candidate from its Kv7 epilepsy program and is poised to advance it into preclinical development.
Iama Therapeutics Srl has obtained clinical trial application (CTA) clearance from the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) to initiate a first-in-human phase I study of IAMA-6, an orally administered small-molecule therapeutic targeting NKCC1 for the treatment of autism and epilepsy.
Cypralis Ltd. has divulged macrocyclic compounds acting as peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A (PPIA; cyclophilin A; CYPA) and/or cyclophilin D inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Researchers from Autifony Therapeutics Ltd. presented preclinical data for the novel potent Kv3 channel positive modulator, AUT-00201, which is currently being evaluated in early clinical studies for the treatment of patients with progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 7 (EPM7).
Serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonists have shown efficacy in treating seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. At the American Epilepsy Society meeting this week, Longboard Pharmaceuticals Inc. presented data on their 5-HT2C receptor superagonist LP-352 for the treatment of epilepsy.
