First-In-Class Treatment Fycompa® (Perampanel) Launched in Finland for Most Common Form of Epilepsy

Epilepsy treatment Fycompa(R)(perampanel) has today been approved for basic reimbursement in Finland. Perampanel is indicated as an adjunctive treatment for partial onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalised seizures, in people with epilepsy aged 12 years and older.  

    Perampanel is the first and only licensed anti-epileptic drug (AED) to selectively target AMPA receptors, a protein in the brain which plays a critical role in causing seizures. This mechanism of action is different to other, currently available AEDs. In addition, perampanel has the added benefit of convenient, once-daily dosing at bedtime and, significantly, is the only new-generation partial epilepsy treatment approved to treat adolescents with epilepsy from launch.  

    "Perampanel is an important new treatment option for people with partial onset epilepsy in Finland, and particularly those who live with uncontrolled seizures," said Dr. Jukka Peltola, Department of Neurology, Tampere University hospital. "Epilepsy remains a challenging condition to treat, so perampanel will be welcomed by doctors across the country as an alternative option which may help people with epilepsy to achieve better seizure control."  

    Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world and in Finland alone approximately 56,000 people live with the condition. Despite many AEDs, the successful treatment of partial onset seizures remains a significant challenge in some patients. Currently, between 20-40% of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy will become refractory to treatment.  

    Perampanel was approved by the European Commission on 23 July 2012 based on three randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and dose-escalated global pivotal Phase III studies  and an open-label extension study. The three global pivotal studies show consistent results in the efficacyand tolerability of perampanel as an adjunctive therapy in people with partial onset seizures, with or without secondary generalisation.] The most commonly reported adverse events were dizziness, somnolence, fatigue, headache, falls, irritability and ataxia.] Results from the open-label extension study also demonstrate perampanel's efficacy and favorable tolerability profile over the longer term  

    Sten Friberg, Nordic Medical Director for Eisai AB commented, "We are delighted to announce the launch of Fycompa in Finland. As an emerging leader in the field of epilepsy, Eisai is committed to the development of innovative therapies such as this to help people with epilepsy achieve seizure control."  

    The launch of perampanel in Finland underscores Eisai's human health care (hhc) mission, the company's commitment to innovative solutions in disease prevention, cure and care for the health and wellbeing of people worldwide.