UCB receives EU approval for new epilepsy drug Briviact

UCB has announced that the European Commission has approved Briviact, its promising new epilepsy treatment.

The brivaracetam-based therapy has been approved as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adult and adolescent patients from 16 years of age with epilepsy.

Data from three pivotal phase III clinical trials have shown that the drug is associated with statistically significant reductions in partial-onset seizure frequency compared to placebo. It could be used to treat patients who cannot benefit from current therapies.

The first launches of the drug in EU countries are set to commence this quarter, while UCB is also seeking approval of the drug in the US, Australia, Canada and Switzerland.

Jean-Christophe Tellier, UCB's chief executive officer, said: "One of UCB's key ambitions is improving the lives of people with epilepsy, and we are thrilled to bring Briviact to patients in Europe and lead the way in making positive changes in how epilepsy is managed."

This latest addition to UCB's epilepsy portfolio will join existing therapies such as Vimpat.