Photosensitive epilepsy: Robust clinical efficacy of a selective GABA potentiator

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this phase 2a study was to assess the activity of PF-06372865, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of α2/3/5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors with minimal activity at α1-containing receptors, which are believed to mediate many of the adverse events associated with benzodiazepines, in the epilepsy photosensitivity model as a proof-of-principle of efficacy. METHODS: Seven participants with a photoparoxysmal response to intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) at baseline were randomized in a double-blind, 4-period cross-over study examining single doses of 17.5 and 52.5 mg PF-06372865, 2 mg lorazepam (active control), and placebo. Standardized photosensitivity ranges (SPRs) to IPS were recorded at screening, predose, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours postdose. The primary endpoint was the average least squares mean change in the SPR in the participant's most sensitive eye condition, across all time points. RESULTS: Both doses of PF-06372865 produced a marked and statistically significant mean reduction in SPR compared to placebo, which was similar in degree to lorazepam. There was complete suppression of SPR in 6/7 participants following PF-06372865 or lorazepam administration. PF-06372865 was safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSION: PF-06372865 demonstrated highly robust efficacy. This demonstrates anticonvulsant activity of a novel α2/3/5-subtype selective GABAA PAM in humans. Further study of the antiepileptic properties of PF-06372865 is warranted. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02564029. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that for people with a stable photoparoxysmal response to intermittent photic stimulation, PF-06372865 reduces the SPR.