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EMA approves Zonegran for epilepsy

03 July 2012 | News | By BioSpectrum Bureau

EMA approves Zonegran for epilepsy

Singapore: The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued marketing authorisation approval (MAA) to extend the use of once-daily Zonegran (zonisamide) from adjunctive therapy to also include monotherapy for the treatment of partial seizures (with or without secondary generalisation) in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Zonisamide is a second generation anti-epileptic drug (AED) with multiple mechanisms of action and a chemical structure which is unrelated to any other AEDs. For patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy, monotherapy is the preferred option for managing their condition as this reduces the potential for adverse drug interactions.

Commenting on the MAA, Mr Michel Baulac, head of the Epilepsy department at the Pitie-Salpetrière Hospital, Paris, France, said, "Monotherapy is the optimal treatment approach for managing epilepsy. Therefore, the EU approval of zonisamide monotherapy is of real significance for newly diagnosed epilepsy patients who will, for the first time, be able to access this proven treatment as a first-line option in their care pathway."

There are an estimated six million people living with epilepsy in Europe and an estimated 50 million people worldwide. The successful treatment of partial-onset seizures (the most common type of epilepsy) remains a challenge in some patients.

"Zonegran is already a successful once-daily, add-on therapy for patients with epilepsy. The new monotherapy indication means this important treatment can now be used in newly diagnosed patients to help improve seizure control," said Dr Bettina Bauer, head of EMEA Epilepsy Business Unit, Eisai Europe. "Zonegran is one of only six AEDs available as monotherapy, providing doctors with a new option to tailor treatment to individual patient needs."

"The EU approval of Zonegran monotherapy illustrates Eisai's commitment to bringing new therapeutic options to patients with epilepsy," continued Dr Bauer. "We will be working closely with health authorities and clinicians across Europe to ensure patients have access to this treatment from first diagnosis."

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