Eisai reports positive data from Zebinix trial in elderly patients

Eisai has announced new clinical trial data that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of its epilepsy drug Zebinix in elderly patients.

The phase III study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the eslicarbazepine acetate-based therapy as an adjunctive treatment for elderly patients aged 65 years and above with partial onset seizures.

It was associated with a 54 percent decrease in seizure frequency from baseline observed over the maintenance period of the study, while no new safety concerns were raised as a result.

This is a potentially important finding, as old age is the most common time to develop epilepsy. Moreover, treatment of patients in this age group is challenging due to the high presence of comorbidities and the need for multiple therapies.

Mike Bee, epilepsy business unit director for Eisa in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: "Eisai is committed to the therapeutic area of epilepsy. Studies in an elderly population such as this one are important as treatment needs may differ to those of a younger person with epilepsy."

The drug has been approved in Europe for the treatment of adults with partial-onset seizures, with or without secondary generalisation, since 2009.