1
|
Waris A, Asim M, Ullah A, Alhumaydhi FA. Various pharmacological agents in the pipeline against intractable epilepsy. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024:e2400229. [PMID: 38767508 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a noncommunicable chronic neurological disorder affecting people of all ages, with the highest prevalence in low and middle-income countries. Despite the pharmacological armamentarium, the plethora of drugs in the market, and other treatment options, 30%-35% of individuals still show resistance to the current medication, termed intractable epilepsy/drug resistance epilepsy, which contributes to 50% of the mortalities due to epilepsy. Therefore, the development of new drugs and agents is needed to manage this devastating epilepsy. We reviewed the pipeline of drugs in "ClinicalTrials. gov," which is the federal registry of clinical trials to identify drugs and other treatment options in various phases against intractable epilepsy. A total of 31 clinical trials were found regarding intractable epilepsy. Among them, 48.4% (15) are about pharmacological agents, of which 26.6% are in Phase 1, 60% are in Phase 2, and 13.3% are in Phase 3. The mechanism of action or targets of the majority of these agents are different and are more diversified than those of the approved drugs. In this article, we summarized various pharmacological agents in clinical trials, their backgrounds, targets, and mechanisms of action for the treatment of intractable epilepsy. Treatment options other than pharmacological ones, such as devices for brain stimulation, ketogenic diets, gene therapy, and others, are also summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Muhammad Asim
- Department of Neurosciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health (CRMH), Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ata Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Fahad A Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lattanzi S, Trinka E, Meletti S, Striano P, Matricardi S, Silvestrini M, Brigo F. A profile of azetukalner for the treatment of epilepsy: from pharmacology to potential for therapy. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:423-432. [PMID: 38571335 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2337012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsies are a group of heterogeneous brain disorder, and antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the mainstay of treatment. Despite the availability of more than 30 drugs, at least one third of individuals with epilepsy are drug-resistant. This emphasizes the need for novel compounds that combine efficacy with improved tolerability. AREAS COVERED A literature review on the pharmacology, efficacy, tolerability, and safety of azetukalner (XEN1101), a second-generation opener of neuronal potassium channels currently in Phase 3 development as ASM. EXPERT OPINION Results from the phase 2b clinical trial strongly support the ongoing clinical development of azetukalner as a new ASM. Its pharmacokinetic properties support convenient once-daily dosing, eliminating the need for titration at initiation or tapering at the conclusion of treatment. CYP3A4 is the main enzyme involved in its metabolism and drug-drug interactions can affect the drug exposure. Preliminary analysis of an ongoing open-label study reveals no reported pigmentary abnormalities. The upcoming Phase 3 clinical trials are expected to provide further insight into the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of azetukalner in treating focal-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Structurally distinct from currently marketed ASMs, azetukalner has the potential to be the only-in-class Kv7.2/7.3 opener on the market upon regulatory approval.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Neurointensive Care, and Neurorehabilitation, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Christian Doppler University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Public Health, Health Services Research and HTA, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall, Austria
| | - Stefano Meletti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Science, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, "G. Gaslini" Institute, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Silvestrini
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Innovation, Research and Teaching Service (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Bolzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Helling RM, Shmuely S, Bauer PR, Tolner EA, Visser GH, Thijs RD. Tracking cortical excitability dynamics with transcranial magnetic stimulation in focal epilepsy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:540-551. [PMID: 35297209 PMCID: PMC8994988 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The lack of reliable biomarkers constrain epilepsy management. We assessed the potential of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation with electromyography (TMS-EMG) to track dynamical changes in cortical excitability on a within-subject basis. METHODS We recruited people with refractory focal epilepsy who underwent video-EEG monitoring and drug tapering as part of the presurgical evaluation. We performed daily TMS-EMG measurements with additional postictal assessments 1-6 h following seizures to assess resting motor threshold (rMT), and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) with single- and paired-pulse protocols. Anti-seizure medication (ASM) regimens were recorded for the day before each measurement and expressed in proportion to the dosage before tapering. Additional measurements were performed in healthy controls to evaluate day-to-day rMT variability. RESULTS We performed 77 (58 baseline, 19 postictal) measurements in 16 people with focal epilepsy and 35 in seven healthy controls. Controls showed minimal day-to-day rMT variation. Withdrawal of ASMs was associated with a lower rMT without affecting MEPs of single- and paired-pulse TMS-EMG paradigms. Postictal measurements following focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures demonstrated unaltered rMT and increased short interval intracortical inhibition, while measurements following focal seizures with impaired awareness showed decreased rMT's and reduced short and long interval intracortical inhibition. CONCLUSION Serial within-subject rMT measurements yielded reproducible, stable results in healthy controls. ASM tapering and seizures had distinct effects on TMS-EMG excitability indices in people with epilepsy. Drug tapering decreased rMT, indicating increased overall corticospinal excitability, whereas seizures affected intracortical inhibition with contrasting effects between seizure types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Helling
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Sharon Shmuely
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Prisca R Bauer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany
| | - Else A Tolner
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerhard H Visser
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Roland D Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Indices of Cortical Excitability Enhance the Prediction of Response to Pharmacotherapy in Late-Life Depression. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:265-275. [PMID: 34311121 PMCID: PMC8783923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults with late-life depression (LLD) often experience incomplete or lack of response to first-line pharmacotherapy. The treatment of LLD could be improved using objective biological measures to predict response. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to measure cortical excitability, inhibition, and plasticity, which have been implicated in LLD pathophysiology and associated with brain stimulation treatment outcomes in younger adults with depression. TMS measures have not yet been investigated as predictors of treatment outcomes in LLD or pharmacotherapy outcomes in adults of any age with depression. METHODS We assessed whether pretreatment single-pulse and paired-pulse TMS measures, combined with clinical and demographic measures, predict venlafaxine treatment response in 76 outpatients with LLD. We compared the predictive performance of machine learning models including or excluding TMS predictors. RESULTS Two single-pulse TMS measures predicted venlafaxine response: cortical excitability (neuronal membrane excitability) and the variability of cortical excitability (dynamic fluctuations in excitability levels). In cross-validation, models using a combination of these TMS predictors, clinical markers of treatment resistance, and age classified patients with 73% ± 11% balanced accuracy (average correct classification rate of responders and nonresponders; permutation testing, p < .005); these models significantly outperformed (corrected t test, p = .025) models using clinical and demographic predictors alone (60% ± 10% balanced accuracy). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that single-pulse TMS measures of cortical excitability may be useful predictors of response to pharmacotherapy in LLD. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine whether combining TMS predictors with other biomarkers further improves the accuracy of predicting LLD treatment outcome.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hotta N, Miyamoto M, Suzuki K. Lamotrigine and retigabine increase motor threshold in transcranial magnetic stimulation at the dose required to produce an antiepileptic effect against maximal electroshock-induced seizure in rats. Neurosci Lett 2022; 771:136460. [PMID: 35051437 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a neurophysiological technique that enables noninvasive evaluation of neuronal excitability in the brain. In the past, a large number of antiepileptic drugs were shown to increase the motor threshold (MT) in clinical TMS studies, suggesting the inhibition of excessive neuronal excitability. To facilitate drug development, the confirmation of similar changes in neurophysiological biomarkers in both preclinical and clinical studies is crucial; however, until now, there have been no data showing the drug efficacies on neuronal excitabilities as measured using TMS in rodents. In this study, we found that the antiepileptic drugs, lamotrigine (10 mg/kg) and retigabine (5 mg/kg), significantly increased the MT in rats using TMS, which is similar to clinical study findings. In addition, we demonstrated that these drugs could inhibit maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in rats when given at the same dose required to be effective in the TMS experiment. These findings suggest that the effects of antiepileptic drugs in our rat TMS system have a similar sensitivity to that of the antiepileptic effects in rats with MES-induced seizures. The measurement of MT in a TMS study may be a noninvasive translational approach for predicting antiepileptic efficacy in drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natsu Hotta
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Maki Miyamoto
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Kazunori Suzuki
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hamed SA. Cortical excitability in epilepsy and the impact of antiepileptic drugs: transcranial magnetic stimulation applications. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:707-723. [PMID: 3251028 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1780122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epileptic conditions are characterized by impaired cortical excitation/inhibition balance and interneuronal disinhibition. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a neurophysiological method that assesses brain excitation/inhibition. AREA COVERED This review was written after a detailed search in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI web of science, SciELO, Scopus, and Cochrane Controlled Trials databases from 1990 to 2020. It summarizes TMS applications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in epilepsy. TMS studies help to distinguish different epilepsy conditions and explore the antiepileptic drugs' (AEDs') effects on neuronal microcircuits and plasticity mechanisms. Repetitive TMS studies showed that low-frequency rTMS (0.33-1 Hz) can reduce seizures' frequency in refractory epilepsy or pause ongoing seizures; however, there is no current approval for its use in such patients as adjunctive treatment to AEDs. EXPERT OPINION There are variable and conflicting TMS results which reflect the distinct pathogenic mechanisms of each epilepsy condition, the dynamic epileptogenic process over the long disease course resulting in the development of recurrent spontaneous seizures and/or progression of epilepsy after it is established, and the differential effect of AEDs on cortical excitability. Future epilepsy research should focus on combined TMS/functional connectivity studies that explore the complex cortical excitability circuits and networks using different TMS parameters and techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sherifa Ahmed Hamed
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Assiut University Hospital , Assiut, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tsuboyama M, Lee Kaye H, Rotenberg A. Biomarkers Obtained by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Motor Cortex in Epilepsy. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:57. [PMID: 31736722 PMCID: PMC6837164 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is associated with numerous neurodevelopmental disorders. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex coupled with electromyography (EMG) enables biomarkers that provide measures of cortical excitation and inhibition that are particularly relevant to epilepsy and related disorders. The motor threshold (MT), cortical silent period (CSP), short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and long interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) are among TMS-derived metrics that are modulated by antiepileptic drugs. TMS may have a practical role in optimization of antiepileptic medication regimens, as studies demonstrate dose-dependent relationships between TMS metrics and acute medication administration. A close association between seizure freedom and normalization of cortical excitability with long-term antiepileptic drug use highlights a plausible utility of TMS in measures of anti-epileptic drug efficacy. Finally, TMS-derived biomarkers distinguish patients with various epilepsies from healthy controls and thus may enable development of disorder-specific biomarkers and therapies both within and outside of the epilepsy realm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Tsuboyama
- Neuromodulation Program, Department of Neurology, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Harper Lee Kaye
- Neuromodulation Program, Department of Neurology, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Neuromodulation Program, Department of Neurology, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Premoli I, Rossini PG, Goldberg PY, Posadas K, Green L, Yogo N, Pimstone S, Abela E, Beatch GN, Richardson MP. TMS as a pharmacodynamic indicator of cortical activity of a novel anti-epileptic drug, XEN1101. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:2164-2174. [PMID: 31568714 PMCID: PMC6856596 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) produces characteristic deflections in the EEG signal named TMS‐evoked EEG potentials (TEPs), which can be used to assess drug effects on cortical excitability. TMS can also be used to determine the resting motor threshold (RMT) for eliciting a minimal muscle response, as a biomarker of corticospinal excitability. XEN1101 is a novel potassium channel opener undergoing clinical development for treatment of epilepsy. We used TEPs and RMT to measure the effects of XEN1101 in the human brain, to provide evidence that XEN1101 alters cortical excitability at doses that might be used in future clinical trials. Methods TMS measurements were incorporated in this Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the extent to which XEN1101 modulates TMS parameters of cortical and corticospinal excitability. TEPs and RMT were collected before and at 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐hours post drug intake in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, two‐period crossover study of 20 healthy male volunteers. Results Consistent with previous TMS investigations of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) targeting ion channels, the amplitude of TEPs occurring at early (15–55 msec after TMS) and at late (150–250 msec after TMS) latencies were significantly suppressed from baseline by 20 mg of XEN1101. Furthermore, the RMT showed a significant time‐dependent increase that correlated with the XEN1101 plasma concentration. Interpretation Changes from baseline in TMS measures provided evidence that 20 mg of XEN1101 suppressed cortical and corticospinal excitability, consistent with the effects of other AEDs. These results support the implementation of TMS as a tool to inform early‐stage clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Premoli
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Pierre G Rossini
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Louise Green
- Clinical Research Facility, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Noah Yogo
- Clinical Research Facility, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Simon Pimstone
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, Canada.,Department of General Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Eugenio Abela
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mark P Richardson
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bialer M, Johannessen SI, Koepp MJ, Levy RH, Perucca E, Tomson T, White HS. Progress report on new antiepileptic drugs: A summary of the Fourteenth Eilat Conference on New Antiepileptic Drugs and Devices (EILAT XIV). I. Drugs in preclinical and early clinical development. Epilepsia 2018; 59:1811-1841. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.14557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meir Bialer
- Faculty of Medicine; School of Pharmacy and David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy; Institute for Drug Research; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem Israel
| | - Svein I. Johannessen
- National Center for Epilepsy; Sandvika Norway
- Department of Pharmacology; Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
| | - Matthias J. Koepp
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy; UCL Institute of Neurology; London UK
| | - René H. Levy
- Departments of Pharmaceutics and Neurological Surgery; University of Washington; Seattle Washington
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics; University of Pavia; Pavia Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation; Pavia Italy
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience; Karolinska Institute; Stockholm Sweden
| | - H. Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy; School of Pharmacy; University of Washington; Seattle Washington
| |
Collapse
|