PRX-00023 Therapy in Localization-Related Epilepsy

Study Summary

Background: \- The brain chemical serotonin helps nerve cells communicate. Previous research suggests that serotonin activity may be lower in brain areas where seizures start, and that increasing activity at the serotonin receptor site on nerve cells may help prevent seizures. Researchers are interested in determining whether the experimental medication PRX-00023, which increases the activity of serotonin receptors, can reduce seizure frequency in people whose seizures are not well-controlled on antiseizure medication. PRX-00023 has not previously been studied in people with epilepsy and has not previously been given to people taking antiseizure medication at the same time. Objectives: \- To evaluate the effectiveness of PRX-00023 in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures that start from only one part of the brain. Eligibility: \- Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age who have frequent epileptic seizures even after trying at least two different standard anti-seizure medications (either at the same time or one after the other). Design: * The study requires 9 outpatient visits to the NIH Clinical Center over a 34-week period. Individuals who choose to participate in additional studies may be an inpatient during some of these visits. * Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine samples, ECG, EEG, neuropsychological studies, imaging studies, including PET and MRI scans * Participants will have a 6-week observation and evaluation period before starting the study medication. Participants who have at least four seizures during this period will be eligible for the treatment portion of the study. * All participants will receive either PRX-00023 or a placebo pill twice daily for 12 weeks, and will have regular clinic visits with blood samples and imaging studies. * After the 12-week period, participants will have a 2- to 3-week washout period without any study medication. * Participants will then have anoth

Primary Outcome

Participants used a seizure calendar to record the number of seizures that occurred during the three month treatment period, i.e., while participants were either on PRX-0023 or Placebo. Seizure frequency was calculated as the total number of seizures occurring during each three month period. For each period a mean was calculated across subjects.

Interventions

• DRUG Placebo
• DRUG PRX-00023