In a real-world, observational study, the addition of Cenobamate as a treatment for refractory focal epilepsy demonstrated significant effectiveness, even among a highly drug-resistant group. Published in a leading medical journal, the study assessed the seizure control and tolerability of Cenobamate in patients battling treatment-resistant focal epilepsy over a 12-month period.

Patients who were prescribed Cenobamate as an adjunctive treatment at a tertiary epilepsy center were subsequently monitored prospectively at 3, 6, and 12 months following the initiation of treatment to evaluate seizure outcomes and any adverse events associated with the treatment.

This long-term, prospective, open-label study, which followed 112 adult patients, demonstrated remarkable results. Within just three months of treatment initiation at a median daily dose of 100 mg, patients experienced a profound drop in monthly seizure frequency across all seizure types.

Notably, 46% of  volunteers attained a ≥50% seizure reduction, with 26% experiencing a ≥75% decrease, and 9% attaining complete seizure freedom. Even more encouraging were the long-term outcomes witnessed at the 12-month mark. Among the 74 subjects with available follow-up data, responder rates escalated to 55%, 35%, and 19% for ≥50%, ≥75%, and 100% seizure alleviation, respectively.

These results highlight the sustained efficacy of Cenobamate over an extended treatment period. Despite its impressive efficacy, Cenobamate exhibited good tolerability, with the majority of adverse effects reported as mild to moderate in intensity. Notably, adjustments in comedication successfully managed adverse effects in a considerable proportion of patients, showcasing the drug's potential for individualized treatment approaches.

The study's findings yield crucial real-world evidence supporting the high efficacy and favorable tolerability profile of Cenobamate, even in those having a higher degree of drug resistance than those included in pivotal trials. However, it's essential to note that the study lacked a standardized therapeutic protocol or comparison with a control arm. This research underscored the potential of Cenobamate (a novel antiseizure medication with a dual mechanism of action) as a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for treatment-resistant focal epilepsy, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide who struggle with this debilitating condition.