Eisai Receives Canadian Approval of Banzel as Adjunctive Treatment for Severe Epilepsy Disorder

Canadian regulators have given approval of Banzel for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Eisai's Canadian subsidiary Eisai Limited announced last week the Health Canada approval and availability of Banzel (rufinamide) for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in children 4 years of age and older and adults.

LGS affects between one and four per cent of all Canadian children diagnosed with epilepsy. The frequent seizures and multiple types associated with LGS are extremely difficult to control and impact the quality of life for both patients and their families.

A double-blind, randomized study of LGS patients treated with Banzel as adjunctive therapy showed a significant reduction in total seizures, seizure severity and a 42.5 per cent median reduction in the frequency of drop attacks (tonic-atonic seizures).