Xenon Highlights Azetukalner Data at 15th European Epilepsy Congress

Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company specializing in neuroscience-related biopharmaceuticals, has announced its participation in the 15th European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) in Rome, Italy. The company is presenting three posters that highlight long-term data and improved quality of life outcomes for adults with focal onset seizures (FOS). 

Azetukalner, Xenon's flagship product, is a novel and potent opener of the Kv7 potassium channel. It is the most advanced potassium channel modulator in late-stage development, targeting multiple conditions, including focal onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS), and major depressive disorder (MDD). The drug is backed by Phase 2b data and long-term safety and efficacy results from epilepsy patients. 

Dr. Christopher Kenney, Chief Medical Officer of Xenon, emphasized the significance of the EEC presentations. "We are thrilled to engage with leading epileptologists and share long-term azetukalner data from our ongoing X-TOLE open-label extension study. Azetukalner is the only Kv7 potassium channel opener in clinical development with robust Phase 2b and long-term data supporting its efficacy and safety in epilepsy patients," said Dr. Kenney. According to him, patients in the study experienced a median monthly seizure frequency reduction of over 90%, with approximately 25% of patients remaining seizure-free for a year or longer after being on azetukalner for at least two years.

Dr. Kenney also pointed out the heavy burden of illness faced by epilepsy patients, including reduced quality of life, high seizure frequency, and other comorbidities like anxiety and depression. This highlights the urgent need for new medications to improve the lives of those living with epilepsy.

The presentations at the EEC include:

1. Poster #P282: "Azetukalner (XEN1101), a Novel, Potent Kv7 Potassium Channel Opener: Interim Data From an Ongoing, Long-Term, Open-Label Extension of a Phase 2b Study (X-TOLE) in Adults With Focal Onset Seizures." This poster is presented by Jacqueline A. French from New York University Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health, New York. The session will be held daily from 1:30-3:00 pm CEST.

2. Poster #P281: "Long-term, Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31) Improvements in Adults With Focal Onset Seizures Treated With Azetukalner (XEN1101) in an Ongoing, Open-Label Extension of a Phase 2b study (X-TOLE)." Christian Brandt from Bethel Epilepsy Centre, Mara Hospital, University Hospital for Epileptology, Bielefeld, Germany will present this poster. The session times are daily from 1:30-3:00 pm CEST, and it is part of the Poster Tour on Clinical Neurophysiology and Drug Therapy.

3. Poster #P406: "Non-seizure Symptoms, Mental Health Comorbidities, and Quality of Life in Patients Reporting Focal Onset Seizures." This poster, presented by Cynthia Harden from Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., will also be available daily from 1:30-3:00 pm CEST.

Founded on the commitment to discovering and developing innovative therapies, Xenon Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:XENE) focuses on addressing unmet medical needs in neurological and psychiatric disorders. The company is advancing a unique product pipeline aimed at conditions such as epilepsy and depression. Azetukalner, the leading Kv7 channel opener, is the most advanced in late-stage clinical development for various indications.

Xenon's Phase 3 epilepsy program includes multiple ongoing clinical trials for focal onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These trials are designed based on the successful Phase 2b X-TOLE clinical trial and aim to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azetukalner. The trials are randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, involving hundreds of patients. The primary efficacy endpoint is the median percent change in monthly seizure frequency from baseline through the double-blind period.

By continually advancing its research and development, Xenon aims to bring new hope to patients suffering from debilitating neurological and psychiatric conditions.

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