Study finds Afinitor (Novartis) dramatically reduces seizures in patients with TSC

A new study shows that Afinitor/Votubia (everolimus), from Novartis, dramatically reduces seizures in patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). This study included 20 patients who were treated with everolimus. Their median age was 8. The researchers found that everolimus reduced seizure frequency by at least 50 percent in 12 of the 20 participants. The drug also reduced seizures in 17 of the 20 TSC patients by a median rate of 73 percent. Four patients were free of seizures and seven had at least a 90 percent reduction in seizure frequency. Overall quality of life, as reported by the participants' parents, also improved.

The study has been accepted by the journal Annals of Neurology: "Everolimus treatment of refractory epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex" Darcy A. Krueger et al. Annals of Neurology, accepted manuscript online: 24 JUN 2013 DOI: 10.1002/ana.23960