Kv7 Platform Our Approach to Epileptic Encephalopathy

A rare form of epilepsy in newborns, with frequent seizures and developmental delay beginning in the first days of life, is called KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy (KCNQ2-EE).

In preclinical studies in collaboration with the Cooper Lab at Baylor College of Medicine, our lead compound targeted the loss of Kv7 channel function caused by a number of known KCNQ2 gene mutations.

In epilepsy, we have synthesized channel-subtype selective agents with improved potency in preclinical models vs. ezogabine, the only Kv7 channel modulator approved in epilepsy.

Clinical and laboratory evidence suggests that restoring the function of the Kv7.2 channel corrects deficiencies caused by key KCNQ2 mutations, creating hope that Kv7 activators may help to control seizures and improve or normalize brain development.