Fycompa Shows Promise in Treating Dravet Syndrome in Young Children
Study Indicates Medication Safe and Effective, Offering Hope for Improved Seizure Control
A recent study conducted in China indicates that the drug Fycompa, when added to standard treatments, is both safe and reduces seizure frequency in children with Dravet syndrome. This finding is particularly significant because it includes children younger than the age currently approved for the medication, offering a new avenue for managing this severe form of epilepsy.
Promising Results from Observational Study
The research, published in Epilepsia Open, observed 21 children with Dravet syndrome. These children, who had previously experienced uncontrolled seizures, showed positive responses to Fycompa. The study revealed that more than half of the children experienced a reduction in seizure frequency after three months. The drug was administered daily, and researchers noted its ease of use.
Fycompa is approved in the U.S. and elsewhere for treating certain seizure types in people with epilepsy, and is sometimes used for Dravet.#DravetSyndrome #seizures
— World Today News (@worldtodaynews) March 1, 2024
“Compared with other treatment options, [Fycompa] has the advantages of good therapeutic effect, no serious adverse events, and convenient administration,” the researchers wrote.
— Researchers, Epilepsia Open
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, approximately one in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. The study suggests that Fycompa might become a new option to control seizures (Epilepsy Foundation, 2024).
Understanding Dravet Syndrome and Fycompa
Dravet syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy, typically characterized by seizures that begin in the first year of life. The condition often presents a range of developmental, cognitive, and behavioral challenges, making effective treatment crucial. Fycompa works by reducing excessive nerve cell firing in the brain, a key factor in seizures.
Developed by Eisai, Fycompa is approved in various regions for specific seizure types. In the United States, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals holds commercialization rights. The medication is available in both oral tablet and liquid suspension forms, and a generic version of the tablets is now available.
The observational study indicated that while some adverse events such as irritability and fatigue were reported, they were mostly mild and temporary. The study’s findings suggest that Fycompa could be a valuable adjunctive treatment option for children with Dravet syndrome.
