New Study on Central Nervous System Diseases and Conditions Offers Hope for Epilepsy Treatment

Researchers at University College London (UCL) have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to a new study published in the Journal of Seizure, a promising strategy to overcome drug-resistance in epilepsy involves the co-administration of a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, tariquidar (TQD), with antiseizure medications (ASMs). The study found that TQD is an effective and well-tolerated P-gp inhibitor that can be used intermittently in conjunction with ASMs to improve efficacy.

Key Takeaways:

• The study involved a multi-centre cohort of 108 participants, including 19 drug-resistant epilepsy patients and 89 healthy controls, who received TQD at various doses.
• Adverse events were reported in a third of the healthy controls and two of the 19 drug-resistant epilepsy patients at doses of 2 or 3 mg/kg, but the majority of these events were mild (96%).
• One drug-resistant epilepsy patient experienced adverse events possibly related to increased ASM levels in the brain 24-hours after TQD administration.
• The research concluded that co-administration of TQD with ASMs could potentially be used to overcome drug-resistance in epilepsy, and further investigation in clinical randomised controlled trials is warranted.
• The study's findings suggest that TQD could be a valuable addition to existing treatments for epilepsy, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with the condition.
• The research was funded by the Wolfson Trust, Epilepsy Society, Department of Health's NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, European Community, and Medical University of Vienna.

Statistics:

• 108 participants received TQD as part of the study.
• 19 drug-resistant epilepsy patients received TQD at doses of 2 or 3 mg/kg.
• 89 healthy controls received TQD at various doses.
• 96% of adverse events reported at doses of 2 or 3 mg/kg were mild.
• 1 drug-resistant epilepsy patient experienced adverse events possibly related to increased ASM levels in the brain 24-hours after TQD administration.

Sources:

• Tolerability of Tariquidar - a Third Generation P-gp Inhibitor As Add-on Medication To Antiseizure Medications In Drug-resistant Epilepsy. Seizure, 2024;119:44-51.
• Researchers from University College London (UCL) Detail Findings in Epilepsy (Tolerability of Tariquidar - a Third Generation P-gp Inhibitor As Add-on Medication To Antiseizure Medications In Drug-resistant Epilepsy). Health & Medicine Week. July 12, 2024; p 5860.