The results of an interim analysis of the non-interventional EPOS (Eslicarbazepine acetate in Partial-Onset Seizure) study presented this week at the XXI European Congress on Epileptology (ECE) in Stockholm, Sweden, show that once-daily Zebinix® (eslicarbazepine acetate) is effective, retained and well-tolerated when given as an add-on to anti-epileptic monotherapy to adults in routine clinical practice.1 Eslicarbazepine acetate, a novel anti-epilepsy treatment for adult individuals with partial epilepsy, targets sodium channels, stabilising their inactive state. It is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial onset seizures, with or without secondary generalisation.2

The aim of the EPOS study was to assess retention rate, effectiveness, safety and tolerability of eslicarbazepine acetate as the only add-on to monotherapy in a real world clinical setting in eight European countries (UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Czech Republic and Germany).1

The successful treatment of partial onset seizures (the most common type of epilepsy) remains a challenge. Currently, up to a third of people with epilepsy do not achieve seizure freedom despite appropriate therapy with anti-epileptic drugs.3

"Many people with epilepsy are not able to achieve seizure freedom despite treatment," commented Martin Holtkamp, Principal Investigator, University Hospital Charité, Germany. "The EPOS study provides valuable insights into the use of eslicarbazepine acetate in routine clinical practice, with these interim results demonstrating that it is effective, well-tolerated and well-retained as an adjunctive therapy."

The interim analysis reviewed data from 109 adults (mean age 45.3±16.5 years; 59.6% male) with uncontrolled partial onset seizure under antiepileptic monotherapy for whom the physician had independently decided to initiate add-on treatment with eslicarbazepine acetate. The mean eslicarbazepine acetate daily dose after titration was 907.1mg±300.0 mg. Levetiracetam (32.1%) and lamotrigine (23.9%) were the most frequently preferred combination treatments.1

At six-months, the eslicarbazepine acetate retention rate was 82.6%, with seizure freedom reported over the same period by 47.8% of patients.1 Adverse events occurred in 29 people during the observation period. The most frequently reported adverse events were dizziness (6.4%), headache (5.5%) and fatigue (4.6%).1

The continued development of eslicarbazepine acetate underscores Eisai's human health care (hhc) mission, the company's commitment to innovative solutions in disease prevention, cure and care for the health and wellbeing of people worldwide. Eslicarbazepine acetate is already available in Albania*, Austria, Czech Republic, Cyprus*, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Malta*, Norway, Portugal*, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Finland, Spain (co-promotion with BIAL, the developer of eslicarbazepine acetate), Wales and the U.S**.