KCNQ2 Cure Alliance attended the American Epilepsy Society (AES) meeting this week. One of the biggest pieces of news shared was positive results from a clinical trial testing a new anti-seizure medication in individuals with developmental epileptic encephalopathy. Read more below on what this means for our KCNQ2 community and stay tuned for more AES updates. 

Praxis reported encouraging early results from their clinical trial testing relutrigine, a sodium channel blocker designed to reduce seizures in people with SCN2A and SCN8A DEEs.  In their recent press release, they shared that relutrigine was well tolerated and resulted in noticeable benefits for participants. On average, seizures were reduced by nearly 50%, with 1 in 3 people achieving seizure freedom. Many participants also noted improvements in alertness and communication, suggesting that sodium channel blockers may improve developmental outcomes in addition to seizure control.

These findings are promising for Praxis’s ongoing EMERALD study, where the drug is being tested in a broader group of individuals living with DEEs. 

If you are interested in trying relutrigine, Praxis is currently enrolling for this study. People with additional genetic DEEs are eligible, including members of the KCNQ2 community.

More information is coming soon. We’re working with Praxis on an upcoming webinar, where they will update us on their research and share data they have from testing relutrigine in a Kcnq2 mouse model.