Safety and Efficacy of Natalizumab as Adjunctive Therapy for People With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Phase 2 Study.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To explore efficacy/safety of natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-α4-integrin antibody, as adjunctive therapy in adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. METHODS: Participants with ≥6 seizures during the 6-week baseline period were randomized 1:1 to receive natalizumab 300 mg IV or placebo every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline in log-transformed seizure frequency, with a predefined threshold for therapeutic success of 31% relative reduction in seizure frequency over the placebo group. Countable seizure types were focal aware with motor signs, focal impaired awareness, and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic. Secondary efficacy endpoints/safety were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 32 and 34 participants dosed in the natalizumab 300 mg and placebo groups, 30 (94%) and 31 (91%) completed the placebo-controlled treatment period, respectively (one participant was randomized to receive natalizumab but not dosed due to IV complications). Estimated relative change in seizure frequency of natalizumab over placebo was -14.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] -46.1%-36.1%; p = 0.51). The proportion of participants with ≥50% reduction from baseline in seizure frequency was 31.3% for natalizumab and 17.6% for placebo (odds ratio 2.09, 95% CI 0.64-6.85; p = 0.22). Adverse events were reported in 24 (75%) and 22 (65%) participants receiving natalizumab vs placebo. DISCUSSION: Although the threshold to demonstrate efficacy was not met, there were no unexpected safety findings and further exploration of possible anti-inflammatory therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: The ClinicalTrials.gov registration number is NCT03283371. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence that IV natalizumab every 4 weeks, compared to placebo, did not significantly change seizure frequency in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study lacked the precision to exclude an important effect of natalizumab.
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Related Subject Headings
- Treatment Outcome
- Seizures
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Natalizumab
- Humans
- Drug Resistant Epilepsy
- Anticonvulsants
- Adult
- 3209 Neurosciences
- 3202 Clinical sciences
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Treatment Outcome
- Seizures
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Natalizumab
- Humans
- Drug Resistant Epilepsy
- Anticonvulsants
- Adult
- 3209 Neurosciences
- 3202 Clinical sciences