Lundbeck Showcases Commitment to Epilepsy Care at AES Annual Meeting
Lundbeck A/S, a prominent biopharmaceutical company, recently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the rare epilepsy community at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles. On December 5, 2024, Lundbeck announced the presentation of critical data regarding bexicaserin, an investigational and highly selective treatment being developed for seizures linked to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs). This initiative is part of Lundbeck's ongoing effort to address the significant unmet medical needs faced by patients suffering from severe forms of epilepsy.
Bexicaserin has emerged as a promising candidate for treating DEEs, which include complex and often treatment-resistant conditions such as Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The compound is the result of research conducted by Longboard Pharmaceuticals, a company recently acquired by Lundbeck. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance Lundbeck's late-stage development pipeline and to establish a robust presence in the neuro-rare therapy sector.
During the AES meeting, Lundbeck's presentations will cover several important aspects of bexicaserin, including its safety, tolerability, and efficacy as demonstrated in the PACIFIC Study, a Phase II clinical trial. Key topics include the interim results of an open-label extension study, the responder rates for patients with DEEs, and bexicaserin's effectiveness in reducing both seizures and respiratory arrest in preclinical models.
The significance of bexicaserin's development is underscored by its receipt of several designations from the FDA, including Breakthrough Therapy Designation for its expected transformative impact on treatment options for DEEs. Furthermore, Lundbeck aims to capitalize on this momentum by initiating discussions with key opinion leaders and advocacy groups present at the AES meeting.
"Bexicaserin's differentiated profile offers hope to patients in a landscape with limited treatment options for severe epilepsies. This year's AES Annual Meeting serves as a vital platform for us to engage with the epilepsy community and share our findings on bexicaserin's potential effectively," stated Johan Luthman, Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development at Lundbeck.
Scheduled for December 7 and 9, 2024, the poster presentations will highlight the outcomes of the PACIFIC Study while addressing the broader implications of bexicaserin's unique mechanism of action targeting the 5-HT2C receptor, with minimal impact on off-target receptor activity. This specificity is crucial for reducing side effects and enhancing patient safety in epilepsy treatments.
Lundbeck is proud to contribute to the improvement of brain health through innovative pharmaceutical solutions. With over 70 years of dedicated research in neuroscience, the company is steadfast in its mission to create transformative therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders. The ongoing work on bexicaserin reflects Lundbeck's broader commitment to advancing treatments that have the potential to change lives, particularly for those grappling with severe neurological conditions.
Lundbeck actively pursues research avenues that address significant health disparities in brain disorders and seeks to bolster health equity throughout their initiatives. As advancements in the understanding of brain biology continue to evolve, Lundbeck remains dedicated to exploring new avenues for effective treatments, enhancing quality of life for affected individuals, their families, and the broader community.
Through its participation in significant events like the AES Annual Meeting, Lundbeck reinforces its role as a key player in the neurology sector, galvanizing its efforts toward benefiting patients with rare epilepsy conditions and their families worldwide.