The National Health Service (NHS) in England has announced the approval of fenfluramine, a groundbreaking new treatment for children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a rare and severe form of epilepsy. The medication, available from February 20th, offers fresh hope for hundreds of families struggling with this debilitating condition.
Understanding the Impact of LGS
LGS affects approximately 1-2% of children with epilepsy in England, translating to hundreds of young patients among the 60,000 children living with epilepsy. This lifelong condition causes frequent, unpredictable seizures that can occur multiple times daily, leading to cognitive impairment, mobility issues, and increased injury risk due to sudden muscle control loss.
Clinical Efficacy and Treatment Advantages
Fenfluramine, administered as a daily oral liquid medicine with weight-based dosing, works by increasing brain serotonin levels to reduce seizure activity. Clinical trials have shown remarkable results:
- 26.5% average reduction in drop seizure frequency
- 25.3% of patients achieved a 50% or greater reduction in seizures
- Significant decrease in hospitalization and emergency care needs
The medication provides a crucial alternative to the previously NICE-recommended treatment of cannabidiol (Epidyolex®) with clobazam, approved in 2019. This new option is particularly valuable for patients who haven't responded to existing treatments or cannot tolerate clobazam's side effects.
Expert Perspectives
Professor Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, emphasized the treatment's significance: "This new treatment option on the NHS will now offer new hope, giving many the chance for greater stability and a better quality of life."
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, highlighted the medication's importance: "The often distressing and life-limiting nature of this very difficult to control epilepsy means that any new treatment options are particularly welcome."
Real-World Impact
The approval's impact is already resonating with families affected by LGS. Michael Atwal-Brice, parent of a child with LGS, shared: "Fenfluramine is potentially life-changing for Levi and our family." Lisa Suchet, mother of a 10-year-old with LGS, added that the new treatment option provides "essentially another chance at life really; for the patient and the family or carers."
Implementation and Accessibility
The treatment will be available to all clinically eligible patients aged two years and above, including adults, as LGS typically persists throughout life. NHS England is utilizing its Innovative Medicines Fund to expedite access, making the treatment available three months faster through an interim arrangement.
This approval marks fenfluramine's second indication in the NHS, following its 2022 authorization for treating seizures associated with Dravet syndrome. The medication is manufactured by UCB Pharma, a significant UK life sciences investor based in Belgium.
