See the DrugPatentWatch profile for stiripentol
Stiripentol and fenfluramine are two antiseizure medications that have been used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. While both drugs have been shown to be effective in reducing seizure frequency, they differ in their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effect profiles.
Stiripentol is a non-competitive antagonist of GABA-A receptors, which increases the inhibitory tone in the brain and reduces seizure activity. It is primarily used as an add-on therapy for patients with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that is often resistant to other treatments. Stiripentol has been shown to reduce seizure frequency by up to 50% in some patients with Dravet syndrome [1].
Fenfluramine, on the other hand, is a serotonin agonist that increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn reduces seizure activity. Fenfluramine was originally developed as an appetite suppressant but was later found to have antiseizure properties. It is approved for use in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, another severe form of epilepsy that is often resistant to other treatments. Fenfluramine has been shown to reduce seizure frequency by up to 30% in some patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome [2].
In terms of efficacy, stiripentol appears to be more effective than fenfluramine in reducing seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome. However, it is important to note that the efficacy of these drugs may vary depending on the individual patient's response to treatment.
In terms of side effects, stiripentol is associated with a higher risk of adverse events, including drowsiness, decreased appetite, and liver function abnormalities, compared to fenfluramine [1]. Fenfluramine, on the other hand, is associated with a higher risk of valvular heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, which led to its withdrawal from the market in the past [2]. However, the new formulation of fenfluramine has been shown to have a lower risk of these side effects [2].
In conclusion, stiripentol and fenfluramine are two antiseizure medications that have been shown to be effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. While stiripentol appears to be more effective than fenfluramine in reducing seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome, the efficacy of these drugs may vary depending on the individual patient's response to treatment. It is important to consider the potential side effects and risks associated with these drugs when making treatment decisions.
Sources:
1.
https://www.drugs.com/ppa/stiripentol.html
2.
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/fenfluramine
3.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7096335/
4.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176053/