Fintepla Reduced Seizures in Those with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies

Results of a meta-analysis published in Epilepsia demonstrated that Fintepla (fenfluramine; UCB, Atlanta, GA) treatment was associated with a reduction in the frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and tonic-clonic seizures (TCS) in individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs).

Researchers used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to select studies that reported changes in GTCS or TCS after treatment with Fintepla in patients with DEEs. A total of 14 studies met the eligibility criteria with 421 patients with conditions such as Dravet syndrome, CDKL5 deficiency disorder, SCN81-related disorder, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, SCN1B-related disorder, and other DEES included in the final analysis.

The median reduction from baseline in GTCS or TCS frequency for patients treated with Fintepla ranged from 47.2% to 100%.

• In 10 of the selected studies, 72% of patients treated with Fintepla achieved ≥50% reduction in GTCS or TCS from baseline.
• In 9 of the selected studies, 54% of patients treated with Fintepla achieved ≥75% reduction in GTCS or TCS from baseline and 29% achieved 100% reduction in GTCS or TCS from baseline.

“Improving seizure control, especially of the most severe seizures, could mitigate neurodevelopmental delay, improve quality of life, minimize polypharmacy, and reduce injury and premature death, namely sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP),” said Dr. Kelly Knupp, study author and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado. “This analysis, coupled with established data from the Fintepla clinical trial program, positions Fintepla to be a promising future option for the management of various DEEs.”