Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic central nervous system disorder affecting approximately 65 million people worldwide and about 1% of the US population. The disease causes seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Although there are 26 FDA-approved antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), nearly 30% of patients do not respond to them. Additionally, the long-term use of current AEDs is limited due to their adverse effects, withdrawal symptoms, and harmful interactions with other medicines.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a novel class of compounds containing an all-carbon bridged bicyclic scaffold called resveramorphs (RVMs) for treating epilepsy. These synthetically accessible compounds are structurally distinct from existing AEDs. Testing in a disease model revealed that RVMs possess superior seizure prevention capability compared to existing FDA-approved AEDs.
FAU seeks partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
Benefit
Effective - In vitro data demonstrates the ability to reduce seizuresSuperior - The RVM compounds are considerably more potent than FDA-approved medicationsSafe - These orally bioavailable compounds exhibited no adverse effects in laboratory experiments, including rodent modelsMarket Application
Prevention of seizures and complications of epilepsy and similar neurological conditions
Brochure