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Overview

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures are extremely debilitating and in some patients occur multiple times a day. Unfortunately, while numerous treatments for epilepsy have been developed, 25-30% of epilepsy patients do not achieve complete control of their seizures or are left suffering from severe side effects from their antiepileptic drugs. This leaves a large portion of the population without adequate treatment and a great need for the development of new treatments to help these patients.

Innovative Technology

Researchers at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore have identified a new class of chemicals that possess antiepileptic properties in animal models. Through structural-activity relationship studies, they have developed twelve lead compounds that show antiepileptic properties in multiple animal models with limited to no observed neurotoxicity. Based on similar compounds from which these lead compounds have been developed, they are thought to function as positive allosteric modulators of GABA receptors.

Applications

- Pharmacological treatment of epilepsy

Advantages

- New class of drugs may provide treatment for epilepsy patients that are resistant to current medications on the market

Contact Info

UM Ventures
0134 Lee Building
7809 Regents Drive
College Park, MD 20742
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (301) 405-3947 | Fax: (301) 314-9502