Study finds Vimpat 'significantly' reduces partial-onset seizures

ATLANTA An investigational drug can reduce seizures in adolescents and adults with epilepsy when added on to existing treatments, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

The 405-patient phase 3 trial, published online in the journal Epilepsia, found that UCB’s Vimpat (lacosamide) resulted in “significantly” fewer partial-onset seizures in patients ages 16 to 70 years, compared with placebo.

Patients were started on 100-mg a day of Vimpat or placebo, in addition to the various epilepsy drugs they were already taking; those in the Vimpat group then had their dosages increased to 400 mg or 600 mg.

“This and other studies demonstrate Vimpat’s established efficacy and tolerability, with almost 3,000 patient years of exposure,” UCB medical director for central nervous system disorders James Zackheim said.