Reducing the frequency of seizures remains a significant challenge in treating patients with epilepsy. In fact, more than one-third of epilepsy patients continue to experience seizures while taking one antiepileptic therapy, and more than 30% of patients taking two or more antiepileptic drugs have uncontrolled seizures.
In the study, patients treated with Lyrica (pregabalin) three times daily experienced up to 53% fewer seizures, and patients treated with Lyrica twice daily experienced up to 44% fewer seizures, compared to a 1% increase in seizures among patients receiving placebo.
In addition, patients were classified as responders if they experienced a 50% reduction in seizure frequency compared with baseline. Nearly half (49%) of patients treated with Lyrica three times daily and 43% of patients treated with Lyrica twice daily were responders, compared to 9% of placebo patients.
“There is considerable need for an add-on drug like Lyrica, which improves seizure control with a tolerable safety profile,” said Dr Ahmad Beydoun, lead study author and an associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In July 2004, Pfizer received European Commission approval to market Lyrica in European Union member states as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures and for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain.