Cavion, Inc. announced March 20th that the first patient has been enrolled in its innovative T-WAVE Phase 2a proof-of-concept clinical trial (NCT03406702). T-WAVE will assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the T-type calcium channel modulator CX-8998 in drug-resistant absence seizures in adolescents and young adults with generalized epileptic syndromes.
Generalized epileptic syndromes are associated with abnormal activity of selected neural networks. T-type calcium channels, called Cav3, control neuronal firing and signaling. Cav3 is a strong genetic target as gain-of-function Cav3 mutations have been identified in patients with generalized seizures. CX-8998 is a first-in-class oral therapeutic drug that was designed to selectively and potently inhibit Cav3 channels, repairing aberrant neuronal activity. Data from genetic preclinical models of generalized epilepsy suggest that CX-8998 suppresses epileptiform discharges and prevents the development of seizures, including absence seizures.
Cavion has deep expertise advancing the science of Cav3 modulation in white-space central nervous system indications with high unmet need. T-WAVE leverages Cavion’s unique clinical development engine that delivers insightful data using cutting edge digital biomarkers and artificial intelligence while collaborating with advocacy groups to put patients and their families at the forefront, said Spyros Papapetropoulos, Cavion’s Executive Vice President, Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer.
New treatment options to control generalized seizures and maintain quality of life for patients and their families are particularly needed, as there are limited options currently available. New treatments for generalized epilepsy would provide a significant opportunity to help adolescents and young adults, said Dr. Jacqueline French, Chief Scientific Officer at the Epilepsy Foundation and Professor of Neurology at NYU School of Medicine.