Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Present Data Demonstrating Advancements in Epilepsy Outcomes at the 2022 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting
Jazz Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: JAZZ) announced six presentations on its epilepsy treatment, Epidiolex (cannabidiol), at the 2022 American Epilepsy Society (AES) annual meeting from December 2-6, 2022, in Nashville, TN. Key highlights include long-term Phase 3 trial results showing significant seizure reduction for tuberous sclerosis complex and caregiver-reported improvements in seizure and non-seizure outcomes for patients with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. The data underscores Epidiolex as a crucial option for patients with significant unmet needs in epilepsy treatment.
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Data from six abstracts to be presented, including new long-term Phase 3 results and two real-world analyses of U.S. caregiver-reported seizure and non-seizure outcomes in patients prescribed Epidiolex ®(cannabidiol)
DUBLIN, Nov. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced that six company-sponsored Epidiolex® (cannabidiol) oral solution presentations, including three late-breaking abstracts, will be shared at the upcoming 2022 American Epilepsy Society (AES) annual meeting, which will be held December 2-6, 2022, in Nashville, TN.
"We understand the significant, lifelong implications of severe, childhood-onset epilepsy on both patients and their families. We continually strive to improve patient outcomes and are proud to present data that includes caregiver-reported insight into Epidiolex's effects on seizure and non-seizure outcomes in both children and adults living with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome," said Kelvin Tan, MB BCh, MRCPCH, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "In addition, we are sharing long-term Phase 3 trial findings which demonstrate Epidiolex's ability to reduce tuberous sclerosis complex-related seizures over the course of three years of treatment – further underscoring that Epidiolex is an important treatment option in an area with significant unmet patient need."
Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical formulation of highly-purified cannabidiol (CBD), is the first prescription, plant-derived cannabis-based medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is indicated for the treatment of patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), Dravet Syndrome (DS) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients aged 1 year and older.
Presentation highlights include:
- Two Late Breaker Abstracts Featuring Subgroup Analysis of BECOME (BEhavior, COgnition, and More with Epidiolex) Caregiver Survey Results: While onset of LGS and DS is typically in infancy or childhood, these conditions are lifelong diseases with symptoms that evolve over time. The BECOME survey is a global outcomes survey of caregivers of patients with LGS or DS that characterized and quantified the seizure and non-seizure outcomes of Epidiolex treatment. The results from both poster presentations demonstrate that a substantial proportion of the caregivers of people with LGS or DS treated with Epidiolex reported improvements in many patients' seizure and non-seizure outcomes, regardless of age group (patients aged <18 years and >18 years).1,2
- Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Add-on Cannabidiol (CBD) for Seizures Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): 3-Year Results From GWPCARE6 Open-Label Extension (OLE): Final data from the Phase 3 trial GWPCARE6 OLE evaluates the long-term efficacy and safety of add-on Epidiolex in patients with TSC-associated seizures across three years. Findings suggest that long-term, add-on Epidiolex treatment was well tolerated and demonstrated sustained reductions in TSC-associated seizures in patients for up to 156 weeks.3
- REST LGS TOOL: Real World Use to Screen for LGS and Improve Access to Care: LGS is frequently undiagnosed in the adult population due to the lack of transfer of prior medical history to adult providers and the evolution of the symptoms of LGS over time. The Refractory Epilepsy Screening Tool for LGS patients (REST-LGS) was designed to improve identification and treatment of patients with LGS. This retrospective chart review of 100 patients aged 18 and older with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD) sought to further validate the REST-LGS. Using REST-LGS, this study identified that over half of the individuals without a previous LGS diagnosis should be referred for further diagnostic evaluation at a specialized epilepsy center, and further validated the REST-LGS for the identification of potential LGS patients with DRE and IDD.4
The AES abstracts are available online at https://www.aesnet.org/education/annual-meeting/aes-abstract-search.
A full list of Jazz-sponsored AES presentations follows:
Presentation Topic | Author | Presentation Details |
Seizure-Free Days as a Novel and Meaningful Outcome in Patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Post Hoc Analysis of Patients Receiving Cannabidiol (CBD) in GWPCARE3 and GWPCARE4 | Auvin, S. et al. | POSTER Date: Saturday, December 3, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation Number: 1.285 |
Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Add-on Cannabidiol (CBD) for Seizures Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): 3-Year Results From GWPCARE6 Open-Label Extension (OLE) | Thiele, E. et al. | POSTER Date: Sunday, December 4, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation Number: 2.237 |
REST LGS TOOL: Real World Use to Screen for LGS and Improve Access to Care | Wolf, S. et al. | POSTER Date: Sunday, December 4, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation Number: 2.106 |
Late-Breaker Abstracts | ||
Nonseizure Outcomes With Cannabidiol (CBD) in Pediatric Versus Adult Patients With Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome (DS): Subgroup Analysis of BECOME, a Caregiver Survey | Dixon-Salazar, T. et al. | POSTER Date: Monday, December 5, 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation Number: 3.429 |
Seizure Outcomes With Cannabidiol (CBD) in Pediatric Versus Adult Patients With Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome (DS): Subgroup Analysis of BECOME, a Caregiver Survey | Saurer, T.B. et al. | POSTER Date: Monday, December 5 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation Number: 3.428 |
Dravet Syndrome Natural History: Placebo-Treated Patients in Clinical Trials Rationale | Nabbout, R. et al. | POSTER Date: Monday, December 5 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation Number: 3.414 |
About Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic condition.5 The condition causes mostly benign tumors to grow in vital organs of the body including the brain, skin, heart, eyes, kidneys and lungs6 and is a leading cause of genetic epilepsy.7 People with TSC may experience a variety of seizure types. One of the most common is infantile spasms that typically present in the first year of life; focal (or partial) seizures are also very common.8 TSC is associated with an increased risk of autism and intellectual disability9 and the severity of the condition can vary widely. In some children the disease is very mild, while others may experience life-threatening complications.6 Epilepsy is present in about 85 percent of patients with TSC and may progress to become intractable to medication.8,10,11 More than 60 percent of individuals with TSC do not achieve seizure control12 with standard treatments such as antiepileptic drugs, epilepsy surgery, ketogenic diet, or vagus nerve stimulation8 compared to 30-40 percent of individuals with epilepsy who do not have TSC who are drug resistant.13,14
About Dravet Syndrome
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare genetic condition that appears during the first year of life with frequent fever-related seizures (febrile seizures). Later, other types of seizures typically arise, including myoclonic seizures (involuntary muscle spasms).15 Additionally, status epilepticus, a potentially life-threatening state of continuous seizure activity requiring emergency medical care, may occur. Children with DS typically experience poor development of language and motor skills, hyperactivity and difficulty relating to others.
About Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) begins in childhood. It is characterized by multiple types of seizures. People with LGS begin having frequent seizures in early childhood, usually between ages 3 and 5.16 More than three-quarters of affected individuals have tonic seizures, which cause the muscles to contract uncontrollably. Almost all children with LGS develop learning problems and intellectual disability. Many also have delayed development of motor skills such as sitting and crawling. Most people with LGS require help with usual activities of daily living.
About Epidiolex®/Epidyolex® (cannabidiol)
Epidiolex/Epidyolex, the first prescription, plant-derived cannabis-based medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the U.S., the European Commission (EC) for use in Europe, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in Great Britain, the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in Australia, Swissmedic for use in Switzerland, and the Food & Nutrition Services of the Israel Ministry of Health for use in Israel, is an oral solution which contains highly purified cannabidiol (CBD). In the U.S., Epidiolex is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS) or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients one year of age and older. Epidiolex has received approval in the European Union under the tradename Epidyolex for adjunctive use in conjunction with clobazam to treat seizures associated with LGS and DS in patients two years and older, and for adjunctive use to treat seizures associated with TSC, in patients two years of age and older. Epidyolex has received Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of seizures associated LGS, DS and TSC.
Important Safety Information & Indications
CONTRAINDICATION: HYPERSENSITIVITY
EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cannabidiol or any ingredients in the product.
Hepatocellular Injury:
EPIDIOLEX can cause dose-related transaminase elevations. Concomitant use of valproate and elevated transaminase levels at baseline increase this risk. Transaminase and bilirubin levels should be obtained prior to starting treatment, at one, three, and six months after initiation of treatment, and periodically thereafter, or as clinically indicated. Resolution of transaminase elevations occurred with discontinuation of EPIDIOLEX, reduction of EPIDIOLEX and/or concomitant valproate, or without dose reduction. For patients with elevated transaminase levels, consider dose reduction or discontinuation of EPIDIOLEX or concomitant medications known to affect the liver (e.g., valproate or clobazam). Dose adjustment and slower dose titration is recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Consider not initiating EPIDIOLEX in patients with evidence of significant liver injury.
Somnolence and Sedation:
EPIDIOLEX can cause somnolence and sedation that generally occurs early in treatment and may diminish over time; these effects occur more commonly in patients using clobazam and may be potentiated by other CNS depressants.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation:
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including EPIDIOLEX, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Inform patients, caregivers, and families of the risk and advise to monitor and report any signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If these symptoms occur, consider if they are related to the AED or the underlying illness.
Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs:
As with most AEDs, EPIDIOLEX should generally be withdrawn gradually because of the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving EPIDIOLEX (≥
PREGNANCY:
EPIDIOLEX should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Encourage women who are taking EPIDIOLEX during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Strong inducers of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 may affect EPIDIOLEX exposure. EPIDIOLEX may affect exposure to CYP2C19 substrates (e.g., clobazam, diazepam, stiripentol), orally administered P-gp substrates, or other substrates (see full Prescribing Information). Consider dose reduction of orally administered everolimus, with appropriate therapeutic drug monitoring, when everolimus is combined with EPIDIOLEX. A lower starting dose of everolimus is recommended when added to EPIDIOLEX therapy. Concomitant use of EPIDIOLEX and valproate increases the incidence of liver enzyme elevations. Pneumonia was observed more frequently with concomitant use of EPIDIOLEX and clobazam. Dosage adjustment of EPIDIOLEX or other concomitant medications may be necessary.
INDICATIONS:
EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients 1 year of age and older.
Please refer to the EPIDIOLEX full Prescribing Information for additional important information here.
About Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: JAZZ) is a global biopharmaceutical company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases—often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. Within these therapeutic areas, we are identifying new options for patients by actively exploring small molecules and biologics, and through innovative delivery technologies and cannabinoid science. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries. Please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com for more information.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements related to the Epidiolex for people with tuberous sclerosis complex, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, including as a potential treatment option in an area with significant unmet patient need, and the potential impact on that community and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on Jazz Pharmaceuticals' current plans, objectives, estimates, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: pharmaceutical product development; the regulatory approval process, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the company and its development programs, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001-33500), including Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and future filings and reports by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Other risks and uncertainties of which Jazz Pharmaceuticals is not currently aware may also affect Jazz Pharmaceuticals' forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements, even if they are subsequently made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals on its website or otherwise. Jazz Pharmaceuticals undertakes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made.
Media Contact:
Kristin Bhavnani
Head of Global Corporate Communications
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
CorporateAffairsMediaInfo@jazzpharma.com
Ireland +353 1 697 2141
Investors:
Andrea N. Flynn, Ph.D.
Vice President, Head, Investor Relations
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
investorinfo@jazzpharma.com
Ireland, +353 1 634 3211
References
1 Dixon-Salazar, T. et al. Nonseizure Outcomes With Cannabidiol (CBD) in Pediatric Versus Adult Patients With Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome (DS): Subgroup Analysis of BECOME, a Caregiver Survey. American Epilepsy Society 2022 Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN, United States. https://www.aesnet.org/education/annual-meeting/aes-abstract-search. Accessed November 27, 2022.
2 Saurer, T.B. et al. Seizure Outcomes With Cannabidiol (CBD) in Pediatric Versus Adult Patients With Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome (DS): Subgroup Analysis of BECOME, a Caregiver Survey. American Epilepsy Society 2022 Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN, United States. https://www.aesnet.org/education/annual-meeting/aes-abstract-search. Accessed November 27, 2022.
3 Thiele, E. et al. Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Add-on Cannabidiol (CBD) for Seizures Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): 3-Year Results From GWPCARE6 Open-Label Extension (OLE). American Epilepsy Society 2022 Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN, United States. https://www.aesnet.org/education/annual-meeting/aes-abstract-search. Accessed November 27, 2022.
4 Wolf, S. et al. REST LGS TOOL: Real World Use to Screen for LGS and Improve Access to Care. American Epilepsy Society 2022 Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN, United States. https://www.aesnet.org/education/annual-meeting/aes-abstract-search. Accessed November 27, 2022.
5 TS Alliance. What is TSC? https://www.tsalliance.org/about-tsc/what-is-tsc/. Accessed November 9, 2022.
6 NIH Tuberous Sclerosis Fact Sheet. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tuberous-Sclerosis-Fact-Sheet. Accessed November 9, 2022.
7 TS Alliance Website. https://www.tsalliance.org/. Accessed November 9, 2022.
8 Kingswood JC, d'Augères GB, Belousova E, et al. TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) - baseline data on 2093 patients. 2017;12(1):2.
9 de Vries PJ, Belousova E, Benedik MP, et al. TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND): findings from the TOSCA natural history study. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2018;13(1):157.
10 Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. Diagnosis, Surveillance and Management for Healthcare Professionals. https://www.tscalliance.org/healthcare-professionals/diagnosis/. Accessed November 9, 2022.
11 Jeong A, Wong M. Systemic disease manifestations associated with epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex. Epilepsia. 2016;57(9):1443-1449.
12 Chu-Shore CJ, Major P, Camposano S, Muzykewicz D, Thiele EA. The natural history of epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex. Epilepsia. 2010;51(7):1236-1241.
13 Kwan P, Brodie MJ. Early identification of refractory epilepsy. N Engl J Med. 2000;342(5):314-319.
14 French JA. Refractory epilepsy: clinical overview. Epilepsia. 2007;48 Suppl 1:3-7.
15 Epilepsy Foundation. Dravet Syndrome. https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/syndromes/dravet-syndrome. Accessed November 9, 2022.
16 NORD. Rare Disease Database. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/lennox-gastaut-syndrome/. Accessed November 9, 2022.
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