[PS5-1A-1] New therapies for epilepsy patients
Approximately 20 – 30% of patients with epilepsy do not respond to conventional anti-epileptic drugs. With next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology revolution, several novel gene defects underlying these drug-resistant epilepsies have been detected. Novel, mechanism-based drug targets have been identified. Here, we discuss the use of everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) for epilepsies that are related to abnormal mTOR signaling pathway. Also, a number of new anti-epileptic drugs have been developed in the last few years to improve the outcome. We review characteristics of several newly approved or investigational drugs including fenfluramin, eslicarbazepine, cannabidiol, lacosamide and perampanel.