The American Academy of Neurology recently held their annual meeting virtually to discuss the latest research in Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). This meeting was held April 17th through 22nd, 2021.

Research Updates

At the annual meeting, researchers explained that for patients with Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, soticlestat therapy was able to reduce seizure frequency.

The study which led to this conclusion was initiated by Takeda Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with Ovid Therapeutics. It was a Phase 2 randomized, multi-center, placebo-controlled, and double-blind investigation. You can read the full details of the study here.

There were a total of 51 children who were diagnosed with DS, and 88 children diagnosed with LGS. All participants were between the ages of 2 and 17. All participants were either given 600 mg each day of placebo or soticlestat for a total of 20 weeks. The doses were adjusted depending on the children’s weight, but they were never given above 600 mg.

The primary aim was to evaluate the seizure frequency following the treatment compared to the seizure frequency at baseline. Baseline levels of seizures were typically 3 each month for those with DS and 4 for those with LGS.

The team found that those in the treatment groups for both conditions experienced a reduction in seizure frequency. However, those with DS had a much larger decrease (46%) compared to those with LGS (14.8%).

Those who were given soticlestat had a 5% increase in lethargy as well as constipation compared to those who were given placebo.

Looking Forward

This study has demonstrated that soticlestat may be a positive treatment option for those with DS and LGS as a way to reduce seizure frequency.

This therapy is further supported by the fact that adverse effects were minimal and both minor and serious adverse events were similar across those in the placebo group and in the treatment group.

You can read more about this investigative therapy and Phase 2 trial here.