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Guignet M, White HS, Misra SN, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Development of a novel dosing paradigm to model diazepam rescue therapy in preclinical seizure and epilepsy models. Epilepsia Open 2024. [PMID: 38872261 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Diazepam is a cornerstone immediate-use antiseizure rescue therapy that may extend the duration between seizure clusters in people living with epilepsy. However, our mechanistic understanding of intermittent rescue therapy on disease progression is limited by the lack of suitable preclinical models. Specifically, the pharmacokinetics of diazepam varies widely between humans and laboratory animals. Here, we developed a novel repeat rescue therapy dosing paradigm in rats to maintain prolonged therapeutic concentrations seen in humans. Rats received three diazepam doses separated by 1 h (0.75, 1.5, or 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal); plasma and brains were collected at 10 min and 1, 3, or 6 h following the last dose. Plasma and brain concentrations followed a dose-dependent increase with peak concentrations following the repeat 3 mg/kg paradigm (180 ng/mL) being equivalent to plasma levels observed in human studies with diazepam nasal spray. Increased brain-to-plasma ratios in this paradigm indicate that diazepam accumulation in the brain may be long-acting at the site of action. Overall, our repeat diazepam dosing paradigm mimics drug concentrations and accumulation seen in humans, offering a preclinical tool to study the impact of benzodiazepine rescue therapy on seizure-cluster biology in rodent models of epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: There is more to learn about how diazepam works in the brains of people who use it only when they have two or more seizures in 24 h (this is called a seizure cluster). Ethical studies in animals can be used to learn more about medicines in the body. In this study, we showed that three doses of diazepam in rats give about the same amount of the drug as one dose for a person. We can now test rats with epilepsy to see how the drug might work in people who take it when needed for seizure clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Guignet
- Center for Epilepsy Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - H Steve White
- Center for Epilepsy Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Adrian L Rabinowicz
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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Wheless JW, Hogan RE, Davis CS, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Safety and effectiveness of diazepam nasal spray in male and female patients: Post hoc analysis of data from a phase 3 safety study. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:793-799. [PMID: 38340025 PMCID: PMC10984293 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in drug pharmacokinetics include variations in the expression of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in the metabolism of benzodiazepines. It is unclear whether sex influences outcomes associated with intranasally administered drugs. A post hoc analysis of sex differences was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of diazepam nasal spray, which included examining changes in the number of days between seizure clusters over time (SEIzure interVAL [SEIVAL]). Diazepam nasal spray is approved for acute treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy aged ≥6 years. Data from a phase 3 safety study were used to determine the proportion of second doses used within 24 h (ie, a proxy for effectiveness) and SEIVAL. Adverse events were recorded. Of 163 treated patients, 89 were female, and 74 were male. Approximately 16% of both sexes self-administered the study drug. A slightly higher proportion of seizure clusters was treated with a second dose in female (14.7%) than male (9.4%) patients. SEIVAL increased significantly and substantially over a year for all patients. The safety profile was generally similar between the sexes. These results suggest that potential sex differences in benzodiazepine pharmacokinetics do not meaningfully influence outcomes associated with diazepam nasal spray. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Some drugs may have differences in absorption and metabolism between genders that could translate into differences in safety and effectiveness. This safety study looked at diazepam nasal spray for treating seizure clusters in patients at least 6 years old. It found that safety was about the same for females and males. For both groups, most clusters stopped after only 1 dose of the drug, and the time between treated clusters got longer over a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. Wheless
- Le Bonheur Children's HospitalUniversity of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | | | | | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc.San DiegoCaliforniaUSA
- University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of MedicineHonoluluHawaiiUSA
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Fountain NB, Quigg M, Murchison CF, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Analysis of seizure-cluster circadian periodicity from a long-term, open-label safety study of diazepam nasal spray. Epilepsia 2024; 65:920-928. [PMID: 38391291 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Seizure clusters require prompt medical treatment to minimize possible progression to status epilepticus, increased health care use, and disruptions to daily life. Isolated seizures may exhibit cyclical patterns, including circadian and longer rhythms. However, little is known about the cyclical patterns in seizure clusters. This post hoc analysis of data from a long-term, phase 3, open-label, repeat-dose safety study of diazepam nasal spray modeled the periodicity of treated seizure clusters. METHODS Mixed-effects cosinor analysis evaluated circadian rhythmicity, and single component cosinors using 12 and 24 h were used to calculate cosinor parameters (e.g., midline statistic of rhythm, wave ampitude, and acrophase [peak]). Analysis was completed for the full cohort and a consistent cohort of participants with two or more seizure clusters in each of four, 3-month periods. The influence of epilepsy type on cosinor parameters was also analyzed. RESULTS Seizure-cluster events plotted across 24 h showed a bimodal distribution with acrophases (peaks) at ~06:30 and ~18:30. A 12-h plot showed a single peak at ~06:30. Cosinor analyses of the full and consistent cohort aligned, with acrophases for both models predicting peak seizure activity at ~23:30 on a 24-h scale and ~07:30 on a 12-h scale. The consistent cohort was associated with increases in baseline and peak seizure-cluster activity. Analysis by epilepsy type identified distinct trends. Seizure clusters in the focal epilepsy group peaked in the evening (acrophase 19:19), whereas events in the generalized epilepsy group peaked in the morning (acrophase 04:46). Together they compose the bimodal clustering observed over 24 h. SIGNIFICANCE This analysis of seizure clusters treated with diazepam nasal spray demonstrated that seizure clusters occur cyclically in 12- and 24-h time frames similar to that reported with isolated seizures. Further elucidation of these patterns may provide important information for patient care, ranging from improved patient-centered outcomes to seizure-cluster prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan B Fountain
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark Quigg
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Charles F Murchison
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Privitera MD, Mendoza LC, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Intracerebral electrographic activity following a single dose of diazepam nasal spray: A pilot study. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:380-387. [PMID: 38131286 PMCID: PMC10839290 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rescue benzodiazepine medication can be used to treat seizure clusters, which are intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity that are distinct from a patient's usual seizure pattern. The NeuroPace RNS® System is a device that detects abnormal electrographic activity through intracranial electrodes and administers electrical stimulation to control seizures. Reductions in electrographic activity over days to weeks have been associated with the longer-term efficacy of daily antiseizure medications (ASMs). In this pilot study, electrographic activity over hours to days was examined to assess the impact of a single dose of a proven rescue therapy (diazepam nasal spray) with a rapid onset of action. METHODS Adult volunteers (>18 years old) with clinically indicated RNS (stable settings and ASM usage) received a weight-based dose of diazepam nasal spray in the absence of a clinical seizure. Descriptive statistics for a number of detections and a sum of durations of detections at 10-min, hourly, and 24-h intervals during the 7-day (predose) baseline period were calculated. Post-dose detections at each time interval were compared with the respective baseline-detection intervals using a 1 SD threshold. The number of long episodes that occurred after dosing also were compared with the baseline. RESULTS Five participants were enrolled, and four completed the study; the excluded participant had recurrent seizures during the study. There were no consistent changes (difference >1 SD) in detections between post-dose and mean baseline values. Although variability was high (1 SD was often near or exceeded the mean), three participants showed possible trends for reductions in one or more electrographic variables following treatment. SIGNIFICANCE RNS-assessed electrographic detections and durations were not shown to be sensitive measures of short-term effects associated with a single dose of rescue medication in this small group of participants. The variability of detections may have masked a measurable drug effect. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Rescue drugs are used to treat seizure clusters. Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) devices detect and record epilepsy brain waves and then send a pulse to help stop seizures. This pilot study looked at whether one dose of a rescue treatment changes brain activity detected by RNS. There was a very wide range of detections, which made it difficult to see if or how the drug changed brain activity. New studies should look at other types of brain activity, multiple doses, and larger patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Privitera
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Lucy C. Mendoza
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc.San DiegoCaliforniaUSA
- John A. Burns School of MedicineUniversity of HawaiiHonoluluHawaiiUSA
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Penovich PE, Rao VR, Long L, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Seizure Clusters. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:125-140. [PMID: 38358613 PMCID: PMC10881644 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Patients with epilepsy may experience seizure clusters, which are described by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity that are distinct from a patient's usual seizure pattern. Untreated seizure clusters may increase the risk for status epilepticus, as well as decrease quality of life and increase burden on patients and care partners. Benzodiazepine therapies are the mainstay for acute treatment of seizure clusters and are often administered by nonmedical care partners outside a healthcare facility. Three rescue therapies are currently FDA-approved for this indication, with diazepam rectal gel being the first in 1997, for patients aged ≥ 2 years. Limitations of rectal administration (e.g., positioning and disrobing the patient, which may affect ease of use and social acceptability; interpatient variation in bioavailability) led to the investigation of the potential for nasal administration as an alternative. Midazolam nasal spray (MDS) was approved by the FDA in 2019 for patients aged ≥ 12 years and diazepam nasal spray (DNS) in 2020 for patients aged ≥ 6 years; these two intranasal therapies have differences in their formulations [e.g., organic solvents (MDS) vs. Intravail and vitamin E for absorption and solubility (DNS)], effectiveness (e.g., proportion of seizure clusters requiring only one dose), and safety profiles. In clinical studies, the proportion of seizure clusters for which only one dose of medication was used varied between the three approved rescue therapies with the highest single-dose rate for any time period for DNS; however, although studies for all three preparations enrolled patients with highly intractable epilepsy, inclusion and exclusion criteria varied, so the three cannot be directly compared. Treatments that have been used off-label for seizure clusters in the USA include midazolam for injection as an intranasal spray (indicated for sedation/anxiolysis/amnesia and anesthesia) and tablet forms of clonazepam (indicated for treatment for seizure disorders) and lorazepam (indicated for anxiety). In the European Union, buccal and intranasal midazolam are used for treating the indication of prolonged, acute convulsive seizures and rectal diazepam solution for the indication of epileptic and febrile convulsions; duration of effectiveness for these medications for the treatment of seizure clusters has not been established. This paper examines the literature context for understanding seizure clusters and their treatment and provides effectiveness, safety, and administration details for the three FDA-approved rescue therapies. Additionally, other medications that are used for rescue therapy in the USA and globally are discussed. Finally, the potential benefits of seizure action plans and candidates for their use are addressed. This paper is intended to provide details about the unique characteristics of rescue therapies for seizure clusters to help clarify appropriate treatment for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikram R Rao
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lucretia Long
- Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Misra SN, Jarrar R, Stern JM, Becker DA, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Rapid Rescue Treatment with Diazepam Nasal Spray Leads to Faster Seizure Cluster Termination in Epilepsy: An Exploratory Post Hoc Cohort Analysis. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:221-231. [PMID: 38175488 PMCID: PMC10787722 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00568-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although prompt treatment of status epilepticus is standard of care, the effect of timing of rescue therapy administration for seizure clusters in epilepsy remains unknown. Seizure clusters are a rare but clinically important condition, and benzodiazepines are the cornerstone rescue therapy for seizure clusters in epilepsy. We characterized temporal patterns from a large dataset of treated seizure clusters in the safety study of diazepam nasal spray. METHODS This post hoc analysis used timing data of treated seizure clusters recorded by care partners and patients in seizure diaries during a 1-year safety study. Data analysis used time from seizure start to administration of diazepam. RESULTS From 4466 observations, 3225 had data meeting criteria for analysis. Overall, median times from seizure start to dose administration, dose administration to seizure termination, and total seizure duration were 2, 3, and 7 min, respectively. In seizure clusters treated in < 5 min (median 1.0 min), median time from dose to seizure termination was 2.0 min, and median total seizure duration was 4.0 min. Among seizure clusters treated in ≥ 5 min (median 10.0 min), median time to seizure termination was 10.0 min, and median total seizure duration was 23.0 min. Previously published safety results reported that over a mean participation of 1.5 years, 82.2% of patients had ≥ 1 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) irrespective of relationship to treatment, including 30.7% with serious TEAEs; 18.4% had TEAEs deemed at least possibly related to the study drug, none of which were serious. There were no events of cardiorespiratory depression. CONCLUSION Echoing the importance of early use of benzodiazepines in status epilepticus, the findings from this exploratory analysis of patients with refractory epilepsy and frequent seizure clusters identify a potential benefit of early diazepam nasal spray treatment leading to faster seizure resolution within the seizure cluster. Trial Registration Information: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02721069 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02721069 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita N Misra
- Formerly of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Randa Jarrar
- Department of Neurology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - John M Stern
- Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Danielle A Becker
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Neurelis, Inc., 3430 Carmel Mountain Rd, Suite 300, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Adrian L Rabinowicz
- Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Neurelis, Inc., 3430 Carmel Mountain Rd, Suite 300, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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Misra SN, Sperling MR, Rao VR, Peters JM, Penovich P, Wheless J, Hogan RE, Davis CS, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Analyses of patients who self-administered diazepam nasal spray for acute treatment of seizure clusters. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2024; 25:100644. [PMID: 38274142 PMCID: PMC10808926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2024.100644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
For acute treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy, intranasal administration of acute seizure therapies has been shown to provide accessibility and ease of use to care partners as well as the potential for self-administration by patients. Diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco®) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (ie, seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) in patients with epilepsy aged ≥6 years. Self-administration consistent with the prescribing information is feasible and was reported by a subgroup of patients (n = 27 of 163) in a long-term phase 3 safety study. Data regarding self-administration among these patients with seizure clusters are examined here to explore the safety profiles and measures of effectiveness, as well as the quality of life of those who self-treated. In addition, this focused look at patients who self-administered diazepam nasal spray may offer some insights into the characteristics of patients who may be appropriate for self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita N Misra
- Formerly of Neurelis, Inc., 3430 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Vikram R. Rao
- University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Ave Fl 8, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jurriaan M. Peters
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 20115, USA
| | | | - James Wheless
- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 49 N Dunlap St, FOB Room 393, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - R. Edward Hogan
- Washington University in St. Louis, 4921 Parkview Pl, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Charles S. Davis
- CSD Biostatistics, Inc., 1005 W Soft Wind Pl, Oro Valley, AZ 85737, USA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 651 Ilalo St., Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Neurelis, Inc., 3430 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste 300, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
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Becker DA, Wheless JW, Sirven J, Tatum WO, Rabinowicz AL, Carrazana E. Treatment of Seizure Clusters in Epilepsy: A Narrative Review on Rescue Therapies. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1439-1455. [PMID: 37341903 PMCID: PMC10444935 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 1.2% of the population. Some people with epilepsy may experience seizure clusters, which are acute repetitive seizures that differ from the person's usual seizure pattern. Seizure clusters are unpredictable, are emotionally burdensome to patients and caregivers (including care partners), and require prompt treatment to prevent progression to serious outcomes, including status epilepticus and associated morbidity (e.g., lacerations, fractures due to falls) and mortality. Rescue medications for community use can be administered to terminate a seizure cluster, and benzodiazepines are the cornerstone of rescue treatment. Despite the effectiveness of benzodiazepines and the importance of a rapid treatment approach, as many as 80% of adult patients do not use rescue medication to treat seizure clusters. This narrative review provides an update on rescue medications used for treatment of seizure clusters, with an emphasis on clinical development and study programs for diazepam rectal gel, midazolam nasal spray, and diazepam nasal spray. Results from long-term clinical trials have shown that treatments for seizure clusters are effective. Intranasal benzodiazepines provide ease of use and patient and caregiver satisfaction in pediatric and adult patients. Adverse events attributed to acute rescue treatments have been characterized as mild to moderate, and no reports of respiratory depression have been attributed to treatment in long-term safety studies. The implementation of an acute seizure action plan to facilitate optimal use of rescue medications provides an opportunity for improved management of seizure clusters, allowing those affected to resume normal daily activities more quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Becker
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - James W Wheless
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Joseph Sirven
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Tarquinio D, Wheless JW, Segal EB, Misra SN, Rabinowicz AL, Carrazana E. Safety of Diazepam Nasal Spray in Pediatric Patients With Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies: Results From a Long-term Phase 3 Safety Study. J Child Neurol 2023; 38:389-393. [PMID: 37455404 PMCID: PMC10466939 DOI: 10.1177/08830738231185424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric developmental epileptic encephalopathies are often refractory to treatment despite stable antiseizure therapy. The safety profile of diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco) as rescue therapy for seizure clusters was described in a long-term safety study. This post hoc analysis assessed safety and effectiveness within a subpopulation of patients with developmental epileptic encephalopathies. Of 163 treated patients, 64 were diagnosed with ≥1 pediatric developmental epileptic encephalopathy. Among the most common developmental epileptic encephalopathies were Rett syndrome (n = 16), Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (n = 9), and Dravet syndrome (n = 7). In the broad pediatric developmental epileptic encephalopathy group, 10.6% of seizure clusters were treated with a second dose, with similar proportions in the 3 individual encephalopathies. Across groups, treatment-emergent adverse event rates ranged from 66.7% to 100%. Only epistaxis (n = 2) was treatment-related and reported in >1 patient. In this long-term safety analysis in patients with developmental epileptic encephalopathies, diazepam nasal spray demonstrated a consistent safety profile, supporting its use in these hard-to-treat patients (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02721069).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James W. Wheless
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Eric B. Segal
- Hackensack University Medical Center and Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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