“Scientists have hailed a potentially life-changing drug for children with a hard to treat form of epilepsy, after promising early clinical trial results.

Dravet syndrome is a genetic disorder which causes treatment resistant epilepsy and is often accompanied by speech and developmental delays. About 3,000 people are thought to have the condition in the UK. Current treatments aim to control the number and severity of seizures, but often do not work.

These preliminary trials, led by UCL and Great Ormond Street hospital (GOSH), found that the drug appeared to be safe and well tolerated by the 81 children taking part.

Before the study, the participants – aged between two and 18 – experienced an average of 17 seizures a month. But after taking a 70mg dose of Zorevunersen, they had on average 50% fewer seizures, and about 80% fewer seizures after three doses.

The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, also showed improved quality of life, including motor skills, communication and ability to cope.”

From The Guardian.