New Clinical Trial Investigates Novel Treatment for Focal Epilepsy

• A nationwide clinical trial, named Rise, is evaluating a potential new treatment for focal (partial) onset epilepsy in patients aged 18-75.
• The study focuses on individuals who have experienced resistance to existing anti-seizure medications and continue to have frequent seizures.
• The trial aims to address the significant unmet need for effective epilepsy treatments, as approximately 40% of patients do not achieve seizure control with current options.
• Enrollment is open across the United States for those meeting specific criteria, offering a chance to contribute to research and potentially benefit from a new therapy.

A new clinical trial is underway across the United States to assess a promising investigational treatment, called Rise, for focal (partial) onset epilepsy. The study is enrolling participants aged 18 to 75 who have been diagnosed with focal epilepsy and have not achieved adequate seizure control with existing medications. This initiative addresses a critical need for new therapeutic options, as a substantial portion of epilepsy patients continue to experience uncontrolled seizures despite available treatments.

The Unmet Need in Epilepsy Treatment

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting over 50 million people globally, is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Despite the availability of various anti-seizure medications (ASMs), approximately 40% of individuals with epilepsy do not achieve satisfactory seizure control. This lack of control can significantly impact daily life, affecting activities such as driving, working, and socializing, and leading to emotional and psychological burdens, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Rise Clinical Trial: Eligibility and Objectives

The Rise clinical trial seeks to enroll individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Age between 18 and 75 years
• Diagnosis of focal (partial) onset epilepsy for at least one year
• Unsuccessful treatment with at least two ASMs and currently on a stable dose of one to three ASMs
• Experience of at least four observable focal seizures every 28 days

Ilene Asuncion, a long-time epilepsy patient, expressed hope regarding the trial: "Hearing about new clinical trials makes me feel hopeful. The epilepsy community needs a treatment option that helps control seizures with a favorable safety profile. A new treatment option would feel like a light at the end of a long tunnel, and I’m optimistic that this research could make a real difference in our lives."

Participating in the Rise Trial

By participating in the Rise clinical trial, patients have the potential to benefit from a new investigational therapy and contribute to valuable research that could improve the lives of many others affected by epilepsy. More information about the trial, including enrollment details and site locations, can be found at epilepsyresearchstudy.com.