Fenfluramine Is No Longer a Controlled Substance скачать в хорошем качестве

Fenfluramine Is No Longer a Controlled Substance

Brad Chapman, Head of US Epilepsy and Rare Syndromes at UCB, discusses the recent decision by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to deschedule fenfluramine. Fenfluramine is a serotonin agonist approved to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in 2020 and to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in 2022. The DEA listed fenfluramine as a schedule IV controlled substance in 1973 when it was used as a part of a weight loss therapy (PhenFen). Dravet syndrome is a rare neurological condition that usually appears during the first year of life as frequent febrile seizures. As the condition progresses, other types of seizures typically occur, including myoclonus and status epilepticus. Moderate to severe cognitive impairment is also common. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by multiple types of seizures and intellectual disability. This condition can be caused by brain malformations, perinatal asphyxia, severe head injury, central nervous system infection, and inherited degenerative or metabolic conditions. In about one-third of cases, no cause can be found. Fenfluramine was approved to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in 2020 and to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in 2022. As noted by Mr. Chapman, descheduling fenfluramine can help both the Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut populations obtain this medication more easily and reduce unnecessary burden on the family.