REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN EPILEPSY SOCIETY 65TH ANNUAL MEETING, BALTIMORE, MD, DECEMBER 2-6, 2011 – Animals studies have suggested that inflammation is a pathogenic factor in epilepsy, notably through the induction of caspase-1 and interleukin(IL)-1beta (Maroso et al. Neurotherapeutics 2011; 8: 304-315).
VX-765 is a small-molecule inhibitor of caspase-1 currently undergoing phase II testing in refractory partial-onset seizures.
REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN EPILEPSY SOCIETY 65TH ANNUAL MEETING, BALTIMORE, MD, DECEMBER 2-6, 2011 – A Norwegian study estimates that the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is 2.5 per 1000 patient-years in female patients receiving lamotrigine compared to 0.5 per 1000 patient-years in women not on lamotrigine (Aurlien et al. AES 2011; abstract 3.205).
A UK study reports that 22% of patients treated with alemtuzumab developed autoimmune disorders, notably autoimmune thyroiditis, which occurred in 15.7% (Cossburn et al. Neurology 2011; 2011; 77:573-579). Secondary autoimmunity developed most commonly in months 12-18 of treatment and was evident for up to five years. Risk factors included a family history of autoimmune disorders (OR 7.31) and smoking history (OR 3.05).
Retigabine (ezogabine in the U.S.), which activates KCNQ2/2 potassium channels, is effective as an adjunctive treatment in partial-onset seizures, according to the results of the phase III RESTORE 1 trial (French et al. Neurology 2011; 76: 1555-1563).