On May 29, 2012, Eisai announced that the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) had rendered a positive opinion in using Fycompa (perampanel) as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures, regardless of whether there were secondarily generalized seizures in the epileptics who were at least 12 years old or older.

The perampanel has a different mechanism of action than other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) like Topamax. For example, the perampanel acts as an antagonist to the AMPA receptor and the first new class AED on the market. Perampanel is the only drug that specifically targets the transmission of seizures by preventing post synaptic glutamate AMPA receptors, which is significant since the neurotransmitter glutamate is extremely important in helping to mediate seizures. No other AED medication, including Topamax, specifically targets the AMPA receptors, and EU approval is expected to be given in about three months.

The CHMP also recommends Zonegran as a monotherapy to help treat partial seizures in newly diagnosed adults.

“Improving seizure control is one of the most pressing unmet needs in epilepsy patients. Perampanel will be a completely new option for the adjunctive treatment of patients with uncontrolled seizures,” noted Professor Bernhard Steinhoff, Professor of Neurology, Medical Director and Executive, Epilepsy Center, Kehl-Kork, Germany. “The positive opinion announced today by the CHMP is a significant step in ensuring patients have access to this first-in-class treatment in Europe.”

Perampanel is a brand new medication to treat epilepsy that may prove safer to use than other drugs like Topamax, which is also an anti-seizure medication. Topamax is known to cause various adverse side effects which include birth defects in babies whose mothers take the drugs while pregnant. Topamax causes birth defects that include PPHN, oral clefts, cleft palate, spina bifida and neural defects.

If your child was born with birth defects and you have taken Topamax, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your child’s injuries.