Media
Press Releases
2007
Release date: Thursday 4 October 2007
New drug to treat childhood epilepsy
Between 60 and 300 children in Scotland living with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy may benefit from a newly licensed drug. Inovelon (rufinamide) made by Eisai Europe Limited will be used to treat children with this uncommon condition. Epilepsy Scotland is pleased this drug is available.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is difficult to treat and can develop between the ages of two and six. Children with this difficult syndrome often have “drop attack” (atonic) seizures. This can mean they live with severe seizures and injuries caused by drop attacks.
All children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome will develop learning difficulties. These will be moderate to severe. A very small number of children will outgrow their seizures by the time they become teenagers. Others will continue to have seizures for the rest of their lives and need daily support.
Chief Executive, Susan Douglas-Scott, said, “In research trials this new drug reduced seizures by as much as 42%. This is good news and it will be of some relief to parents of children with this form of epilepsy. I encourage anyone who wants to know more about this medication to contact their doctor or our Helpline (0808 800 2200).”
Ends
Notes to editor
1. Photo opportunity. A photo call will be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 21 February in St Columba’s by the Castle, 14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh. Epilepsy Scotland branch and board member, Tom Russell is available for interview beforehand..
2. Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in130 people. We represent nearly 40,000 Scots with epilepsy, their families and carers. In the Edinburgh area, around 3,300 people are likely to have epilepsy. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2 200) offers advice, support and information is available from our website: www.epilepsyscotland.org.u