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RecruitingPHASE3INTERVENTIONAL

A Clinical Trial of Elsunersen in Pediatric SCN2A-DEE to Assess Efficacy and Safety

This research is looking into a new medicine called elsunersen for babies, children, and teenagers (from birth up to 18 years old) who have a serious type of epilepsy called SCN2A Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (SCN2A-DEE). This condition is caused by a specific genetic change in the SCN2A gene, leading to seizures that usually start when they are very young, often before three months of age. The main goals of this study are to find out if elsunersen can help reduce how often these seizures happen and to check if it's safe for participants. Researchers will use different doses of elsunersen (either 1mg or 0.5mg) to see which works best. This is a "Phase 3" trial, which means the medicine has already been studied in smaller groups and is now being tested more widely before it can potentially be made available to everyone who needs it.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Phase
PHASE3
Sponsor
Praxis Precision Medicines
Enrolment target
40
Start
13 Aug 2025
Estimated completion
01 Dec 2028

What is this study about?

You or your child might be interested in this study if they have a severe form of epilepsy called SCN2A Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy, or SCN2A-DEE. This condition is caused by a specific change in a gene called SCN2A, which leads to seizures that often begin very early in life, sometimes even in the first few days or weeks after birth. These seizures can be very difficult to control and can affect a child's development.

This study is testing a new medicine called elsunersen. We want to find out if elsunersen can help to reduce the number of seizures experienced by children and young people with SCN2A-DEE, and also to understand if it is a safe treatment. This is very important research because it could potentially offer a new treatment option for a condition that currently has limited specific treatments.

By taking part, you would be helping researchers learn more about SCN2A-DEE and how to best treat it. The information gathered from this study could make a real difference to the lives of many families affected by this condition in the future.

Key takeaways

  • This study is testing a new medicine, elsunersen, for severe childhood epilepsy (SCN2A-DEE).
  • It aims to see if elsunersen can reduce seizures and is safe for children up to 18 years old.
  • Participants must have a specific genetic change (SCN2A) and early-onset seizures (before 3 months).
  • All participants will receive elsunersen at one of two doses.
  • This is a 'Phase 3' trial, meaning the medicine is being tested more widely.
  • The study could lead to a new treatment option for SCN2A-DEE.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, children and young people need to meet certain requirements. First, a genetic test must have confirmed that they have a specific type of change in the SCN2A gene that is known to cause a particular problem with how the gene works. Also, their seizures must have started before they were three months old. Finally, they must be experiencing at least four or more noticeable seizures (where a motor action, like jerking, happens) every 28 days during a special observation period before the study officially begins.

There are also reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if they have other significant genetic conditions besides the SCN2A gene change that could be causing their epilepsy or developmental problems. Children with other serious health issues, like problems with their bones, spine (like curves in the back), or difficulties with bleeding, would also not be able to take part.

Additionally, if a child has recently received another experimental or unproven treatment or device, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, they would not be eligible for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Has a genetic test confirmed an SCN2A gene change?
  2. Did your child's seizures start before they were 3 months old?
  3. Does your child have at least 4 noticeable seizures per month?
  4. Are there no other major health conditions that would prevent participation?
  5. Has your child avoided other experimental treatments recently?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your child will receive one of two doses of the study medicine, elsunersen (either 1mg or 0.5mg). They will be closely monitored throughout the study. This will involve regular visits to the study clinic where doctors and nurses will perform assessments such as physical examinations, neurological checks, and blood tests. They will also keep track of your child's seizures.

You or your child's caregiver will be asked to keep a detailed diary of all seizures your child experiences. The total duration of participation in the study will be explained to you by the study doctor, including how long the treatment period lasts and any follow-up visits. This information will be fully discussed during your initial meetings with the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any clinical trial has potential benefits and risks. The potential benefit is that elsunersen might help reduce your child's seizures and improve their overall health, but it's important to remember that this medicine is still being studied and its effectiveness is not guaranteed. As with all medicines, there could be side effects or risks associated with elsunersen, and the study team will fully explain all known and potential risks to you. You have the right to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their ongoing medical care.

Locations (10)

  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    San Diego, United States· Recruiting
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Aurora, United States· Recruiting
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Chicago, United States· Recruiting
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Cincinnati, United States· Recruiting
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Philadelphia, United States· Recruiting
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Memphis, United States· Recruiting
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Porto Alegre, Brazil· Withdrawn
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    São Paulo, Brazil· Withdrawn
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Bonn, Germany· Recruiting
  • Praxis Research Site
    Verified postcode
    Rome, Italy· Recruiting

Common questions

What is SCN2A-DEE?

SCN2A-DEE is a severe type of epilepsy caused by a change in a gene called SCN2A. It often leads to seizures starting very early in life.

What is elsunersen?

Elsunersen is a new medicine being tested in this study to see if it can help reduce seizures in children with SCN2A-DEE.

How old do participants need to be?

This study includes babies, children, and young people from birth (1 day old) up to 18 years old.

Will my child definitely receive the study medicine?

Yes, all participants in this particular study will receive elsunersen. They will receive one of two different doses.

How long will the study last?

The study team will tell you the exact duration, including how long your child will receive the medicine and how long the follow-up period will be.

How to find out more

Head of Pharmacovigilance

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "A Clinical Trial of Elsunersen in Pediatric SCN2A-DEE to Ass…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

Discussion

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