New medicine for uncontrolled epilepsy launches in the UK

A new add-on treatment for partial onset seizures, with or without secondary generalised seizures, has been authorised in adults with epilepsy. Brivaracetam (Briviact) is an anti-epileptic drug that provides patients, with this particular type of epilepsy, a new opportunity to better manage their seizures. In an international phase 3 study of 768 patients uncontrolled on their previous medication, at 50mg dose twice daily against placebo, brivaracetam was shown to give significant seizure freedom compared with the patients’ usual medication. Patients also revealed the importance of reducing the titration period – 51% of patients who participated in an independent European treatment satisfaction survey said this was