In some individuals, a surge of neuronal hyperactivity (excessive electrical activity) can originate in the brain. This may lead to a seizure, the symptoms of which can range from a simple and brief loss of situational awareness to a series of extended and violent convulsions. “Epilepsy” is a diagnosis that occurs after an individual has had multiple seizures.
A surprisingly high percentage, approximately 1%, of the population has epilepsy. In many cases, medication can adequately control a patient’s seizures and result in a relatively normal lifestyle. However, approximately 30% of the epilepsy population is left with no benefit whatsoever from any of the existing therapies. The quality of life for those plagued by uncontrolled seizures represents a significant unmet need in today’s medical community.
Furthermore, a majority of patients, including those with full or partial seizure control, suffer from side effects caused by their medications. Some of these side effects can be very serious, and in some cases use of the therapy can even result in death. Less extreme, but much more common, side effects include chronic sedation and dizziness. Collectively, these side effects have a negative impact on quality of life or limit a patient’s ability to take effective doses of the drug, or both. There is a clear need for therapies that can improve upon these existing side effect profiles.
By working through a novel mechanism of action, NTP hopes to create new therapies that offer a new and improved ways to treat patients with epilepsy.
