Latest Conference Coverage

Seizing Hope: UCB’s Advances in Epilepsy and Rare Syndromes

Hugo Xi, head of Medical Neurology at UCB, discussed the company’s groundbreaking research, innovations in epilepsy care, and the company’s commitment to advancing treatments for rare syndromes at the 2024 AES Annual Meeting.

NeuroVoices: Alexander C. Whiting, MD, on Advancing Epilepsy Surgery and Brain Function Research

The director of epilepsy surgery at Allegheny Health Network discussed how clinicians can successfully pinpoint the source of epilepsy in the brain through innovative procedures like stereo electroencephalography.

Promise Behind Stem Cell Approaches to Treat Epilepsy: Jonathan Parker, MD, PhD

The assistant professor of neurosurgery and neuroscience at Mayo Clinic Arizona provided context on the potential of regenerative therapies like stem cells to restore neural function in patients with epilepsy. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Soticlestat Improves Caregiver and Clinical Measures in ENDYMION 2 Trial of Dravet Syndrome and LGS

Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, with low rates of serious TEAEs leading to discontinuation (1.7% in DS and 2.2% in LGS patients).

AES Poster Highlights Potential Efficacy of Soticlestat in Dravet Syndrome Despite Statistical Hurdle

New data from the phase 3 SKYLINE study suggests soticlestat as a promising adjunctive therapy for seizures among children and young adults living with Dravet syndrome.

Mechanism Behind Novel STK-001 as Disease-Modifying Treatment for Dravet Syndrome: Barry Ticho, MD, PhD

The chief medical officer at Stoke Therapeutics provided commentary on the promising mechanism of action of STK-001, an antisense agent, in the treatment of Dravet syndrome. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Understanding Clinical Predictors of Response to Nabilone in Alzheimer Agitation

Krista L. Lanctôt, PhD, professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto, talked about findings from a recent post hoc analysis presented at CTAD 2024 on nabilone for agitation in Alzheimer disease.

APOE4 Allele Carriers and Parkinson Disease Named Among Highest Risk Factors for Epilepsy in Patients With Dementia

Factors like education level, hypertension, diabetes, and depression did not significantly predict epilepsy risk in patients with dementia.

Insights on UCB’s Commitment to Advancing Rare Epilepsy Care

Brad Chapman, head of U.S Epilepsy and Rare Syndromes at UCB, provided context on some of the innovative research and studies being presented at the 2024 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting.

Fenfluramine Safe and Effective in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Regardless of Concomitant Vagus Nerve Stimulation

In both the randomized controlled trial and open-label extension, a higher proportion of patients without VNS achieved at least 50% and 75% seizure reductions compared to those with concomitant VNS treatment.

Therapeutic Optimization of Stiripentol for Dravet Syndrome: James Wheless, MD, FAAP, FAAN, FAES

The Le Bonheur Chair in Pediatric Neurology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center highlighted the benefits and challenges of using stiripentol, an FDA-approved treatment for Dravet syndrome. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

AES Poster Provides Safety Insights to Antiseizure Medication Fenfluramine

Fenfluramine showed a consistent safety profile in treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, with common adverse events such as decreased appetite, fatigue, and somnolence.

Research Insights on Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy With Spike Wave Activation in Sleep: Lekha Rao, MD

The epileptologist at UCLA Health provided perspective on a poster presented at AES 2024 that characterized a specific subgroup of patients with developmental epileptic encephalopathy and their response to certain therapies. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Plasma P-Tau217 Linked to Cognitive Decline and Sleep Disruption in Late-Onset Unexplained Epilepsy

A recent study presented at AES 2024 revealed that plasma p-tau217 linked to memory decline and sleep disruptions in late-onset epilepsy, highlighting its potential as a biomarker.

Claims Analysis Highlights Sleep Apnea Comorbidity as Risk Factor for Increased Mortality in Youths With Epilepsy

Musical Intervention Program May Improve Quality of Life for Pregnant Mothers With Epilepsy

Participants in the intervention group also reported themes of increased connectivity, creativity, and positivity.

Relutrigine Shows Promise in Phase 2 EMBOLD Study of SCN2A-DEE and SCN8A-DEE

Treatment with relutrigine resulted in a 46% placebo-adjusted reduction in motor seizures, along with a well-tolerated safety profile with adverse events that were mild to moderate.

Advancing Epilepsy Treatment and Brain Research Through SEEG: Alexander C. Whiting, MD

The director of epilepsy surgery at Allegheny Health Network talked about research recently presented at AES 2024 on stereo-electroencephalography, a minimally invasive treatment for patients with epilepsy. [WATCH TIME: 7 minutes]

Bexicaserin Shows Promise for Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies in Phase 1b/2a PACIFIC Extension

Treatment with bexicaserin, a highly selective 5-HT2c receptor superagonist, resulted in reduction in countable motor seizures in patients not previously exposed to the agent.

Interim Analysis Highlights Long-Term Safety of Azetukalner for Focal Epilepsy

In a further date from the ongoing open-label extension of the phase 2b X-TOLE study, results demonstrated that the majority of treatment-emergent adverse events associated with azetukalner were mild or moderate.

Post Hoc Analysis Provides Insights on Low Need for Second Dose of Diazepam Nasal Spray in Pediatric Epilepsy

A recent study presented at AES 2024 showed that fewer than 15% of doses of diazepam nasal spray administered to pediatric patients with epilepsy required a second dose in 24 hours.

Phase 4 EpiCom Study Highlights Potential of CBD in Neuropsychiatric Disorders of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

CBD maintained a favorable safety profile, with 63% of participants experiencing adverse events such as diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and lethargy, leading to discontinuation in four patients.

Empowering Patients: Exploring Self-Administration of Rozanolixizumab for Myasthenia Gravis

Rachana K. Gandhi Mehta, MBBS, an assistant professor of neurology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, discussed a new, innovative trial assessing the therapeutic potential of self-administered subcutaneous rozanolixizumab as a treatment for myasthenia gravis.

Higher Dose of Nusinersen Shows Greater Impact on Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Phase 2/3 DEVOTE Study

Findings from a phase 2/3 study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of a higher dose regimen of nusinersen in treating spinal muscular atrophy in both treatment-naïve and previously treated patients.

Phase 2 Galactic53 Data Point to Viltolarsen’s Impact on Respiratory and Motor Function in DMD

These results highlight the age range and ambulation status for which viltolarsen is a key treatment option for DMD patients amenable to exon 53 skipping.

NeuroVoices: Rebecca M. Edelmayer, PhD, on Advancing Blood Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease for Earlier Diagnosis and Treatment Intervention

The vice president of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer's Association discussed advancements in blood biomarker tests, their use in specialty care, and the development of clinical guidelines for broader integration.

Collaboration and Innovation in Alzheimer Disease Clinical Trial Research: Howard Fillit, MD

The cofounder and chief science officer of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation highlighted the critical role of collaboration and innovative diagnostics for advancing Alzheimer disease care. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Conway CuTS Scale Predicts Impairment Better Than Traditional Scales After Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Surgery

The study, presented at the 2024 AANEM) Annual Meeting, evaluated 52 patients who underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome and explored the comparative effectiveness of the Conway and Zeidman scales in predicting patient outcomes.

Redesigning Clinical Trials in Alzheimer Disease to Promote Diversity and Accessibility

Jessica Langbaum, PhD, the senior director of research strategy at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, discussed the challenges and opportunities in improving diversity in Alzheimer disease clinical trials.

Study Details of Phase 2 KYSA-6 Trial of CAR-T Therapy in Myasthenia Gravis Presented

The multicenter, 24-week study will feature 20 patients with MG, testing changes on MG-ADL as well as several other secondary outcomes, including patient-reported assessments.