VJVirtual | Long-term efficacy of cenobamate in patients with uncontrolled focal seizures

Pavel Klein, MD, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center, Bethesda, MD, discusses the results of the long-term, open-label extension (OLE) of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled C017 study (NCT01866111) of cenobamate in adult epilepsy patients with uncontrolled focal seizures. Patients who completed the 18-week C017 double-blind phase could enter the OLE, where they underwent a 2-week blinded conversion to cenobamate. Retention rates after the end of the first, second, and fourth year were 83%, 71%, and 62%, respectively. The efficacy was sustained compared to what was observed during the double-blind study; Median percent seizure frequency reduction over baseline increased with each 6-month OLE interval, up to 76% at months 43-48. Additionally, a very high proportion of patients achieved 100% and 90% seizure reduction. These results confirm the findings of the double-blind study and support the long-term clinical benefit of cenobamate. This interview was recorded during an online conference call with The Video Journal of Neurology (VJNeurology).