UCB SA ( UCBJF ) announced positive top-line results from a phase III study (n=768) on epilepsy candidate, brivaracetam. Brivaracetam achieved a statistically significant reduction in partial-onset seizure frequency and improved responder rates in the patients compared to placebo. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, parallel-group phase III study (N01358) UCB evaluated the efficacy and safety of brivaracetam, for a 12-week period, as an adjunctive treatment in patients (16 80 years of age) suffering from focal epilepsy with partial-onset seizures, and who have not achieved full control despite undergoing treatment with one or two concomitant antiepileptic drugs. This study was the last one scheduled under the phase III program on brivaracetam. The phase III program comprises four studies, N01252, N01253, N01254 and N01358. In the aforementioned N01358 study, brivaracetam's tolerability was consistent with that found in the previous studies. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects nearly 65 million people across the world. According to the press release issued by UCB, almost 1 out of 26 people are expected to develop epilepsy in their lifetime. On the basis of results from the phase III program, UCB intends to file for approval of brivaracetam in the U.S. and the EU … Continue reading →

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 24-Jul-2014 Contact: Mary Beth O'Leary moleary@cell.com 617-397-2802 Cell Press Autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability often occur together and may even share similar genetic causes. Researchers reporting in the Cell Press journal Cell Reports have now linked mutations in a particular gene to the two disorders in humans. By revealing these genetic changes and their potential impact on common brain processes, researchers may uncover treatment approaches that could benefit a variety of patients. In a study of four families with a total of 16 individuals affected by a spectrum of cognitive and social impairments, the research team, led by investigators from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, discovered two mutations in the CC2D1A gene that prevent the gene's expression. When inherited from both parents, the lack of gene expression can cause mild to severe intellectual disability, autism, and/or seizures. The scientists then explored the function of this gene through experiments in mice. "A neuron must perform a very complex balancing act to respond to signals from other cells, and we found that CC2D1A is a key component in controlling this balance," says senior author Dr. Christopher Walsh. A critical part of that balance involves the control … Continue reading →

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Stroke patients and their families can be taught to monitor the patients pulse and detect irregular heartbeats that might lead to another stroke, according to a new study. Of people who have a stroke, 40% will suffer another one within the next 10 years, said lead author Dr. Bernd Kallmunzer of the Department of Neurology at Universitatsklinikum Erlangen in Germany. Taking a pulse reading can detect atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke, and facilitate appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of another stroke or death, Kallmunzer told Reuters Health by email. The study team tested how accurately patients and their families could detect fibrillation just by taking a pulse. The study, online July 23 in Neurology, included 256 patients who had suffered a first stroke and were treated at the authors stroke unit in Germany in late 2012 or early 2013. While still hospitalized, the patients and in some cases also their relatives were taught to take pulse readings from the radial artery in the left wrist. The patients and families were also given printed instruction materials and a stopwatch. During the half-hour tutorial, patients were taught to use the stopwatch to measure … Continue reading →

Dan was working construction at the Dayton Food Bank building when his stroke hit him without warning. He was unable to speak and tell his co-workers that he needed help. Feeling trapped in his own body, Dan knew exactly where he needed to go. He quickly thought to grab a pen and paper to write down "Kettering." But nothing. He tried again... something simpler. The A B C' s. He couldn't get past the letter D. His co-workers knew that something was terribly wrong and they called 911. The ambulance brought Dan to Kettering Medical Center, where the stroke care team was awaiting his arrival. Within minutes the stroke team administered the drug t-PA which establishes blood flow and dissolves the blood clot. Today Dan has fully recovered from his stroke. As a father and a grandfather, he enjoys every minute of his life with those that matter most because of Kettering Health Network Stroke Care. Certified Stroke Care Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in U.S. adults. It's the fourth leading cause of death. Two keys to reducing stroke-related disability and death are rapid diagnosis and treatment. At Kettering Health Network, we focus on just that. … Continue reading →