Approximately one in four patients with poorly controlled idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) having primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures became free from all types of seizures when Keppra (levetiracetam) was administered as an add-on treatment during a 20 week evaluation period. In comparison, only one in twelve of those who took a placebo in addition to their usual therapy became seizure free.
“These are major seizures which disrupt the working, school and social lives of those who have them,” stated study investigator, Dr Robert Leroy, from the Neurological Clinic of Texas. “The results show that Keppra significantly reduced PGTC seizures. The tolerability profile is comparable to that seen in studies of Keppra in patients with epilepsy and other types of seizures.”
Added to earlier released study results, this latest update is expected to support the sales of the Keppra which is already approved in the US and Europe as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older with epilepsy.