The NDA submission is based on a clinical development program that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Onfi as add-on therapy in patients with LGS. Positive results from the largest Phase III trial ever conducted in patients with LGS were presented at the December 2010 annual meeting of the American Epilepsy Society (AES).1,2
LGS is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that is typically diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood.3,4,5 Most patients with LGS experience multiple types of seizures with periods of frequent seizures, and daily seizures are common.6 Some of these seizures may cause falls, or "drop seizures," which may result in injury.7
"The FDA's acceptance for review of the Onfi NDA represents a significant milestone for Lundbeck as we work to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy," said Timothy M. Cunniff, PharmD, vice president of global regulatory affairs at Lundbeck. "We're pleased to be one step closer to providing a new treatment option for people in the U.S. with LGS, a form of epilepsy that severely impacts the health of the patient, often due to the severity of seizures and frequent injuries."
About Onfi (clobazam)
Clobazam is a 1,5-benzodiazepine that potentiates the inhibitory action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by binding to GABA-A receptors.8,9 GABA-A receptors contain a benzodiazepine binding site, also referred to as the omega receptor (ω), of which three subtypes have been identified.8 In non-clinical studies, clobazam was shown to have higher affinity for the ω2 compared to the ω1 receptor.8 The precise mechanism of action by which clobazam exerts its antiepileptic effects is unknown.
Clobazam is marketed outside of the U.S. under various brand names, including Frisium® and Urbanyl®. Brand names listed are property of their owners.
About Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare and severe form of epilepsy characterized by multiple types of seizures, mental retardation or regression, and abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) with generalized slow spike and wave discharges (1.5-2 Hz).3,5,10 Responsible for 1-4 percent of all childhood epilepsies,10 LGS typically occurs between two and eight years of age (peak onset occurs from 3-5 years).3 Eighty percent of those with LGS will have continued seizures throughout childhood and into their adult years.3 LGS is associated with multiple seizure types, including atonic, tonic and myoclonic seizures, which can all cause falls, or "drop seizures", that are associated with a high rate of recurrent injuries.7 Prognosis for individuals with LGS varies, and complete recovery, including freedom from seizures and normal development, is uncommon.5
1. Conry, Joan A. et al. Al "Efficacy and Safety of Clobazam in the Treatment of Seizures Associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Results of a Phase III Trial." Lundbeck Poster 1.283 December 2010.
2. Hancock, Eleanor and Helen Cross. "Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome." Cochrane Collaboration 2009
3. Van Rijckevorsel, Kenou et al. Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: overview and recent findings. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2008: 4(6) 1001-1019.
4. Arzimanoglou, Alexis et al. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a consensus approach on diagnosis, assessment, management, and trial methodology. The Lancet. 2009: 8(1) 82-93
5. NINDS. .
6. Borggraefe I, Noachtar S. Pharmacotherapy of Seizures Associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Clinical Medicine Insights: Therapeutics. 2010:2 15-24.
7. Dulac, Olivier and Jerome Engel. Lennox-Gastaut Sydnrome. International League Against Epilepsy.. Last accessed 10/11/10
8. Nakajima H. A pharmacological profile of clobazam (Mystan), a new antiepileptic drug. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2001;118(2):117-122.
9. Sanger DJ, Benavides J, Perrault G, et al. Recent developments in the behavioral pharmacology of benzodiazepine (omega) receptors: evidence for the functional significance of receptor subtypes. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review 1994;18:355-372.
10 Medscape. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Last accessed 10/11/10
Source:
Lundbeck Inc.