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EPILEPSY

Cenobamate for focal seizures — a game changer?

In the first published efficacy study of cenobamate for treatment-resistant focal seizures, high doses produced high seizure-free rates, suggesting cenobamate can outperform existing options. A risk of serious rash and low tolerability at higher doses means further safety studies and clinical experience are needed to determine its clinical value.

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Correspondence to Jacqueline A. French.

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Competing interests

J.A.F. receives New York University salary support from the Epilepsy Foundation and for consulting work and/or attending Scientific Advisory Boards on behalf of the Epilepsy Study Consortium for Adamas, Aeonian/Aeovian, Anavex, Arvelle Therapeutics, Axovant, Biogen, BioMotiv/Koutif, Blackfynn, Bloom Science, BridgeValley, Cavion, Cerebral Therapeutics, Cerevel, Crossject, CuroNz, Eisai, Engage Therapeutics, Epitel, Fortress Biotech, GW Pharma, Idorsia, Ionis, Lundbeck, Marinus, Neurocrine, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development, Ovid Therapeutics, Pfizer, Praxis, Redpin Therapeutics, Sage, Shire, SK Life Sciences, Springworks, Stoke, Sunovion, Supernus, Takeda, UCB, West Therapeutic Development, Xenon Pharmaceuticals and Zogenix.

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French, J.A. Cenobamate for focal seizures — a game changer?. Nat Rev Neurol 16, 133–134 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-019-0309-7

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